What level of evidence is required in civil cases?

In civil cases, the standard of proof required is known as the "preponderance of evidence." This means that to prevail in a civil lawsuit, a party must demonstrate that it is more likely than not that their claims are true. This standard is less stringent than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard, which is used in criminal cases, where the stakes are higher and the consequences more severe.

The "preponderance of evidence" standard essentially requires that the evidence be weighed and that the side with the greater weight of evidence, even if only slightly, prevails. This facilitates a more practical approach in civil matters, where the disputes often pertain to issues like contracts, negligence, or property rights, rather than the serious ramifications that come with criminal charges.

This framework enables the legal system to function effectively in civil disputes, as it allows for cases to be resolved based on a lower threshold of certainty than what is required in criminal cases. Other options like "clear and convincing evidence" and "probable cause" apply in different legal contexts, making preponderance of evidence the appropriate standard for civil cases.