What is the standard of proof required in a civil trial?

In a civil trial, the standard of proof is known as "preponderance of the evidence." This standard requires that one party's evidence be more convincing than the other's, meaning that it is more likely than not that the claims made by that party are true. In practical terms, this often translates to at least a 51% likelihood in favor of one side.

This lower standard compared to criminal cases allows for a wider range of evidence and arguments to be considered. It reflects the civil justice system's goal of resolving disputes fairly and efficiently, focusing on the probabilities rather than absolute certainty. In contrast, criminal cases require proof "beyond a reasonable doubt," which is a much stricter standard, reflecting the serious implications of a potential conviction. The other options, such as "clear and convincing evidence" and "substantial evidence,” pertain to different contexts and are not applicable as the standard of proof in typical civil trials.