CIVIL PROCEDURE — Declaration of Title to Land — Burden of Proof — Plaintiff Must Succeed on Strength of Own Case

This is a fundamental and long-established rule in land litigation. The plaintiff bears the initial and ultimate burden of proving his title by credible, admissible, and cogent evidence. He cannot rely on the defendant’s inability to prove a better title. The defendant’s failure does not automatically entitle the plaintiff to judgment. The exception applies only where the defendant, through his pleadings or evidence, inadvertently confirms the plaintiff’s case, thereby relieving the plaintiff of some of his burden. The principle ensures that judicial declarations are based on positive proof, not mere default.