# ORS § 161.055: 161.055 Burden of proof as to defenses

> Oregon · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.055

## Section

- **Citation:** ORS § 161.055
- **Heading:** 161.055 Burden of proof as to defenses
- **Jurisdiction:** Oregon
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** OR Code / Title 16 / Chapter 161 / Section 161.055

## Text

(1) When a “defense,” other than an “affirmative defense” as defined in subsection (2) of this section, is raised at a trial, the state has the burden of disproving the defense beyond a reasonable doubt.

(2) When a defense, declared to be an “affirmative defense” by chapter 743, Oregon Laws 1971, is raised at a trial, the defendant has the burden of proving the defense by a preponderance of the evidence.

(3) The state is not required to negate a defense as defined in subsection (1) of this section unless it is raised by the defendant. “Raised by the defendant” means either notice in writing to the state before commencement of trial or affirmative evidence by a defense witness in the defendant’s case in chief. [1971 c.743 §4]

Note: See note under 161.015 (General definitions) .

Source: Section 161.055 — Burden of proof as to defenses , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors161.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).

## Nearby sections

- [ORS § 161.005 161.005 Short title](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.005.md)
- [ORS § 161.015 161.015 General definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.015.md)
- [ORS § 161.025 161.025 Purposes](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.025.md)
- [ORS § 161.035 161.035 Application of Criminal Code](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.035.md)
- [ORS § 161.045 161.045 Limits on application](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.045.md)
- [ORS § 161.055 161.055 Burden of proof as to defenses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.055.md)
- [ORS § 161.065 161.065 Evidence of physical injury](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.065.md)
- [ORS § 161.067 161.067 Determining punishable offenses for violation of multiple statutory provisions, multiple victims or repeated violations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.067.md)
- [ORS § 161.085 161.085 Definitions with respect to culpability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.085.md)
- [ORS § 161.095 161.095 Requirements for criminal liability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.095.md)
- [ORS § 161.105 161.105 Culpability requirement inapplicable to certain violations and offenses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.105.md)
- [ORS § 161.115 161.115 Construction of statutes with respect to culpability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.115.md)
- [ORS § 161.125 161.125 Drug or controlled substance use or dependence or intoxication as defense](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.125.md)
- [ORS § 161.150 161.150 Criminal liability described](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.150.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OR_T16_C161_S161.055. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.