Standard of Proof

The "standard of proof" is the level of evidence required to convince a decision-maker, such as a judge or jury, of a claim or allegation. It determines what evidence must be presented for a fair ruling. Different legal contexts require different standards: "preponderance of the evidence" (more likely than not) is typical in civil cases, meaning over 50% certainty. In criminal cases, the standard is "beyond a reasonable doubt," which requires a high level of certainty that the defendant committed the crime. This standard ensures fairness and accuracy in legal judgments.