preponderance

Preponderance refers to the evidentiary standard often necessary for a victory in a civil case. Proving a proposition by the preponderance of the evidence requires demonstrating that the proposition is more likely true than not true. This burden on the trier of the fact is less demanding when compared to the beyond a reasonable doubt burden required for a criminal conviction.

[Last reviewed in January of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team] 

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