Quote Originally Posted by #1Townie View Post
Not really. A prosecution is built upon evidence that claims the defendant did what they say. A defense is built on attacking said evidence. Its actually two very different things.
I concede your point. There are instances where the prosecution fails to prove guilt, but failure to convict does not necessarily prove that the accused is innocent.

However, following the prosecution, it lies to the defense to refute them. The defense attempts to disprove (prove false) the evidence and witness testimonies presented by the prosecution with evidence and testimonies of their own. It is the same game played to a different end.
proof (prf)n.1. The evidence or argument that compels the mind to accept an assertion as true.
2. a. The validation of a proposition by application of specified rules, as of induction or deduction, to assumptions, axioms, and sequentially derived conclusions.
b. A statement or argument used in such a validation.

3. a. Convincing or persuasive demonstration: was asked for proof of his identity; an employment history that was proof of her dependability.
b. The state of being convinced or persuaded by consideration of evidence.

4. Determination of the quality of something by testing; trial: put one's beliefs to the proof.
5. Law The result or effect of evidence; the establishment or denial of a fact by evidence.
6. The alcoholic strength of a liquor, expressed by a number that is twice the percentage by volume of alcohol present.
7. Printing a. A trial sheet of printed material that is made to be checked and corrected. Also called proof sheet.
b. A trial impression of a plate, stone, or block taken at any of various stages in engraving.

8. a. A trial photographic print.
b. Any of a limited number of newly minted coins or medals struck as specimens and for collectors from a new die on a polished planchet.

9. Archaic Proven impenetrability: "I was clothed in Armor of proof" (John Bunyan).