§ 40.115 Rule 307. Allocation of the burden of producing evidence

This rule explains who has to bring forward evidence during a trial. It says that if no more evidence were introduced, and one side would automatically lose on a specific issue, that side is the one who has to produce more evidence to change that outcome. In other words, whoever is currently losing on a point has to step up and offer proof to support their position.

The rule also says that the person who has to convince the judge or jury of something (called the "burden of persuasion") is usually the same person who has to start bringing in evidence on that issue. So if you are the one who needs to prove a fact to win your case, you are also the one who needs to introduce evidence about that fact first.

In practical terms, this rule helps decide who needs to speak up first and provide proof on a given topic during a case. It keeps trials organized by making clear which side has to act if a certain fact or issue is in question.