What is the burden of proof in civil liability cases?

In civil liability cases, the burden of proof is established as "preponderance of the evidence." This standard requires the plaintiff to show that their claims are more likely true than not, meaning that there is a greater than 50% chance that the facts presented by the plaintiff are correct. This lower threshold compared to criminal cases, where the standard is "beyond a reasonable doubt," reflects the different stakes involved; civil cases typically address disputes between individuals or entities regarding obligations or rights, rather than criminal guilt.

The preponderance of the evidence standard allows for a more accessible pathway for parties seeking redress in civil court, enabling them to prove their case with evidence that outweighs the opposing side's evidence, no matter how slight that advantage may be. This approach emphasizes the weighing of evidence rather than requiring absolute certainty, which is crucial for the efficient resolution of civil disputes.