What is the standard of proof in a civil court case?

In a civil court case, the standard of proof is referred to as "preponderance of the evidence." This means that for a party to win the case, they must demonstrate that their assertion is more likely true than not true, effectively requiring that there is greater than 50% certainty in their favor. This standard is notably less stringent than the standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt," which is used in criminal cases and involves a higher level of certainty.

The "clear and convincing evidence" standard lies somewhere in between, often used for specific civil matters, such as the termination of parental rights. Meanwhile, "probable cause" is a standard primarily used in criminal law to determine whether there is sufficient reason to believe that a crime has been committed, particularly in regards to the issuance of warrants. Thus, the concept of "preponderance of the evidence" is essential in civil proceedings as it establishes a balance of probabilities rather than requiring absolute certainty. This makes it more accessible for the party bringing the case and reflective of the nature of civil disputes, which often hinge on weighing evidence and credibility.