Legal Definitions - preponderance of the evidence

Preponderance of the evidence is a legal term used to describe the level of proof required in a civil trial. It means that the party with the burden of proof must convince the fact finder that there is a greater than 50% chance that their claim is true.

For example, if someone is suing another person for damages in a car accident, they must prove that the other person was more likely than not responsible for the accident. If the evidence presented in court shows that there is a 51% chance that the other person caused the accident, then the burden of proof has been met.

Another way to think of preponderance of the evidence is to imagine a scale. If the evidence presented by one side tips the scale even slightly in their favor, then they have met the burden of proof.

Overall, preponderance of the evidence is a lower standard of proof than what is required in criminal trials, where the burden of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt.