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preponderance of evidence
/prɪˈpɒnd(ə)r(ə)ns əv ˈɛvɪdəns/
greater amount of evidence
The jury found a preponderance of evidence that the defendant was negligent.
The jury decided that there was more evidence supporting the defendant's negligence than against it.
Law
formal
A legal standard meaning that the evidence presented shows that something is more likely true than not.
In civil cases, the plaintiff must prove a preponderance of evidence to win.
In civil lawsuits, the plaintiff must show that their claim is more probably true than false to succeed.
The court applied the preponderance of evidence test to decide liability.
The judge used the greater weight of evidence standard to determine who was responsible.
Used primarily in civil litigation; criminal cases require the higher standard of 'beyond a reasonable doubt'.
Collocations
preponderance of evidence standardthe legal benchmark that the evidence must tip the balance in favor of one side
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use it
Reserve 'preponderance of evidence' for civil cases or administrative hearings where the burden is to show that a claim is more likely true than false.
Word Origin
From Latin 'ponderare' (to weigh) with the prefix 'pre-' (before) and the suffix '-ance' forming a noun meaning 'the act of weighing'; combined with 'evidence' to denote the weighing of proof.
Usage Notes
Common in U.S. civil law; rarely used in criminal contexts. Often shortened to 'preponderance' when the meaning is clear.
English Dictionary