Which of the following best describes the term 'preponderance of evidence'?

The term "preponderance of evidence" refers to the standard of proof commonly used in civil law cases. This standard requires that the evidence presented by one side is more convincing than the evidence presented by the other side. It is often summarized as meaning that there is a greater than 50% chance that the claims made by one party are true. This contrasts with the standard used in criminal law, where the requirement is much higher, known as "beyond a reasonable doubt," which offers a stronger burden of proof to protect defendants.

In civil cases, where the stakes are typically lower than in criminal cases, the preponderance of evidence allows the jury or judge to make a decision based on which side has the more convincing argument or evidence. This standard facilitates the resolution of disputes without the heightened requirements present in criminal law, thus expediting the judicial process for civil matters.