What is the burden of proof in defamation cases and how does it impact the outcome of such legal proceedings?

In defamation cases, the burden of proof is on the plaintiff to show that the statement made about them was false and caused harm. This impacts the outcome as the plaintiff must provide evidence to support their claim, while the defendant can defend themselves by proving the truth of the statement or showing that it was made without malice. The burden of proof plays a crucial role in determining the credibility of each party's arguments and ultimately influences the court's decision.