What is the level of proof required in civil actions?

In civil actions, the level of proof required is known as "preponderance of the evidence." This standard means that one party's evidence must be more convincing than the other's, tipping the scale slightly in their favor. Essentially, the party must show that it is more likely than not that their claims are true, which translates to a likelihood greater than 50%.

This standard is considerably lower than the standards required in criminal cases, such as "beyond a reasonable doubt," which necessitates a much higher level of certainty due to the potential consequences for the accused, such as loss of liberty. The "clear and convincing evidence" standard is used in some civil cases as well, typically in matters involving heightened stakes, like claims of fraud, but it is not the general standard applied in most civil actions.

The preponderance of the evidence standard aims to ensure fairness in the resolution of disputes and allows for a more accessible method for plaintiffs to have their cases heard and adjudicated in civil court, where the stakes may not involve criminal penalties but still have significant implications.