Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: spousal-unity doctrine
Standard of proof: The level of proof required in a specific case, such as "beyond a reasonable doubt" or "by a preponderance of the evidence." It's like a rule that says how sure we need to be before we can say something is true. In civil cases, the person who sues someone else needs to prove their case by showing that it's more likely than not that they're right. In criminal cases, the prosecutor needs to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, which means they need to be almost completely sure that the person they're accusing is guilty.
The standard of proof refers to the level of evidence required to prove a case. It can be different depending on the type of case and the court where it is being heard.
The burden of persuasion is the responsibility of a party to convince the fact-finder (usually a judge or jury) to view the facts in a way that favors that party. This burden can be different in civil and criminal cases.
These examples illustrate how the standard of proof and burden of persuasion can differ depending on the type of case. In a civil case, the plaintiff only needs to prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence, which is a lower standard than beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal case. This is because the consequences of a civil case are usually less severe than a criminal case, such as monetary damages instead of imprisonment.