What does preponderance of the evidence refer to in a civil case?

Preponderance of the evidence is a legal standard used in civil cases, indicating that one party's evidence is more convincing than the other's. This standard requires that the evidence, when weighed, shows that it is more likely than not that the claims made by one party are true. Essentially, if a party can demonstrate that their version of the facts is more probable than not, they meet this standard.

In contrast, the other options refer to concepts that apply to criminal cases or to legal principles that are distinct from the balance of evidence required in civil disputes. For instance, the level of certainty required for a conviction pertains to the higher standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt," which is applied in criminal cases to protect defendants from wrongful conviction. The presumption of innocence relates to the rights of defendants in criminal trials, ensuring they are considered innocent until proven guilty. Lastly, the obligation to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt is a fundamental aspect of criminal law aimed at safeguarding personal liberties, which does not apply to civil cases where the preponderance of the evidence is sufficient.