What does "preponderance of evidence" indicate?

The term "preponderance of evidence" refers to a standard of proof that is commonly used in civil cases, signifying that one party's evidence is more convincing than the other's. Specifically, it means that there is a greater than 50% chance that the claim is true, which is often interpreted as "more likely than not." This standard does not require absolute certainty or unanimous agreement, but rather that the evidence favors one side over the other to a degree that tips the scale in their favor.

This concept is distinct from the standards applied in criminal cases, where the prosecution must meet the higher threshold of "beyond a reasonable doubt." Therefore, the understanding of "preponderance of evidence" is pivotal in distinguishing between different legal contexts and determining liability or responsibility based on the strength and weight of the evidence presented.