Preponderance Of The Evidence Definition

The legal burden of proof required in most civil (non-criminal) trials. The plaintiff must prove to the judge or jury that the defendant is more likely than not liable for some harm the plaintiff has suffered. The term for the “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