What type of evidence is required for a civil trial compared to a criminal trial?

In civil trials, the standard of evidence required is known as "preponderance of evidence." This means that one party's case must be more convincing than the other party's case, typically understood as being more than 50% likely to be true. This lower threshold reflects the nature of civil cases, which usually involve disputes over rights and obligations between individuals or entities rather than criminal culpability.

In contrast, criminal trials necessitate a higher standard known as "beyond a reasonable doubt." This standard ensures that there is a very high level of certainty about the defendant's guilt before a conviction can be made, thus providing a strong safeguard against wrongful convictions. The rationale behind this heightened standard is the severe consequences that can arise from a criminal conviction, which may include incarceration, loss of rights, and the social stigma of being labeled as a criminal.

By clearly distinguishing these two standards, the legal system recognizes the differing stakes involved in civil versus criminal matters, ensuring that the level of proof required reflects the seriousness of the outcomes in each type of trial.