What is the standard of proof required in civil cases?

In civil cases, the standard of proof is known as "preponderance of evidence." This means that one party must demonstrate that their claims are more likely true than not. In practical terms, it requires the evidence to show that there is a greater than 50% likelihood that the facts presented by one party are accurate, as opposed to those of the other party.

This standard is less stringent than the "beyond reasonable doubt" standard employed in criminal cases, which requires a much higher degree of certainty due to the potential consequences, such as incarceration.

"Clear and convincing evidence" is another standard used in certain civil matters, particularly in cases involving significant interests, but it still does not apply as a general rule across all civil cases. The key differentiator here is that preponderance of evidence reflects the lower threshold typically required in most civil litigation, which involves disputes over rights and liabilities rather than criminal guilt or innocence.

Mere suspicion does not provide a sufficient basis for a decision in either civil or criminal court; it lacks the necessary facts and evidence to support a claim. Therefore, preponderance of evidence is indeed the correct answer to reflect the standard of proof in civil cases.