Shifting the Burden of Proof: How the Common Law Can Safeguard Nature and Promote an Earth Ethic Author Olson J.M. Journal/Series Environmental Law | Vol. 20(4); 891 - 915; 25 p. Date 1990 Source IUCN (ID: ANA-044373) Publisher | Place of publication Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College | Portland, OR, USA Language English Country/Territory United States of America Subject Environment gen. Keyword Ethics and environment Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings Abstract Where significant environmental values are at stake, the burden of proof should be shifted to defendants who usually have more knowledge and control of the substances they release into the environment. Such a shift could infuse an ethical dimension into environmental law