I think it’s better our way. If someone makes an allegation in a book or the press that suggested you were a paedophile for example, wouldn’t you be damn sure you would want the onus to be on the scum-sucking journalists to prove their allegations were true, rather than you to prove them to be false?
I prefer the American way. The plaintiff is the one taking up the defendant’s time, money, and freedom with the lawsuit or criminal charge. It is only right that the burden of proof be on the plaintiff.