Preponderance of the Evidence Definition

The legal burden of proof in most civil (non-criminal) trials.

The plaintiff (the party who filed the lawsuit) must prove to the judge or jury that the defendant (the party being sued) is "more likely than not" liable for some harm the plaintiff has suffered. The term for this “more likely than not” standard is “preponderance of the evidence.” The plaintiff’s evidence, taken as a whole, must be more convincing than the defendant’s in order for the plaintiff to win the case.

(Compare: reasonable doubt)