# KRS § 500.070: 500.070 Burden of proof -- Defenses

> Kentucky · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.070

## Section

- **Citation:** KRS § 500.070
- **Heading:** 500.070 Burden of proof -- Defenses
- **Jurisdiction:** Kentucky
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** KY Code / Title L / Chapter 500 / Section 500.070

## Text

500.070 Burden of proof -- Defenses.

(1) The Commonwealth has the burden of proving every element of the case beyond a

reasonable doubt, except as provided in subsection (3). This provision, however,

does not require disproof of any element that is entitled a "defense," as that term is

used in this code, unless the evidence tending to support the defense is of such

probative force that in the absence of countervailing evidence the defendant would

be entitled to a directed verdict of acquittal.

(2) No court can require notice of a defense prior to trial time.

(3) The defendant has the burden of proving an element of a case only if the statute

which contains that element provides that the defendant may prove such element in

exculpation of his conduct.

## Nearby sections

- [KRS § 500.010 500.010 Title](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.010.md)
- [KRS § 500.020 500.020 Offenses defined by statute -- Common law abolished](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.020.md)
- [KRS § 500.030 500.030 Rule of construction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.030.md)
- [KRS § 500.040 500.040 Restrictions on applicability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.040.md)
- [KRS § 500.050 500.050 Time limitations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.050.md)
- [KRS § 500.060 500.060 Territorial applicability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.060.md)
- [KRS § 500.070 500.070 Burden of proof -- Defenses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.070.md)
- [KRS § 500.080 500.080 Definitions for Kentucky Penal Code](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.080.md)
- [KRS § 500.090 500.090 Forfeiture](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.090.md)
- [KRS § 500.092 500.092 Forfeiture of personal property not used as a residence triggered by violation or attempted violation of certain offenses -- Forfeiture of real and personal property associated with violation or attempted violation of KRS 531.310 or 531.320](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.092.md)
- [KRS § 500.093 500.093 Prohibition against court or law enforcement agency retaining firearms or ammunition to prevent their transfer or sale](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.093.md)
- [KRS § 500.095 500.095 Alternative sentence of community work](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.095.md)
- [KRS § 500.100 500.100 Effect of commentary](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.100.md)
- [KRS § 500.110 500.110 Trial of prisoner on untried indictment within 180 days after prisoner's request for final disposition](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.110.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.070. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.