What represents the burden of proof in civil cases?

In civil cases, the burden of proof is represented by the concept known as "preponderance of evidence." This standard requires that the evidence presented by one side must be more convincing than the evidence presented by the other side. Essentially, this means that the party with the burden must show that their claim is more likely true than not, which is quantified as over 50% likelihood. This is the lowest standard of proof used in legal proceedings, making it accessible and suitable for civil disputes where the stakes are typically lower than in criminal cases.

The other standards of proof serve different contexts within the legal system. "Beyond reasonable doubt" is the standard used in criminal cases, requiring a high certainty of guilt. "Clear and convincing evidence" is a higher standard than preponderance of evidence but lower than beyond a reasonable doubt; it is often used in specific civil cases, such as those involving certain family law matters. "Probable cause" applies primarily to law enforcement and criminal law, indicating a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed, which warrants further investigation or action.