What does "preponderance of the evidence" mean in legal terms?

The term "preponderance of the evidence" in legal contexts refers to the standard of proof that requires a party to demonstrate that their claims are more likely true than not. It is a foundational principle in civil cases, meaning that the evidence presented must show that there is a greater than 50% chance that the claim is valid. This standard is less stringent than "beyond a reasonable doubt," which is applicable in criminal cases and requires a much higher level of certainty.

In contrast, the other options touch on various legal principles but do not accurately define "preponderance of the evidence." For instance, the standard for criminal convictions is much higher, as it typically requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Similarly, while child custody cases often involve assessments of evidence, they do not exclusively operate under this standard; they may also encompass the best interests of the child, which can involve different evaluative criteria. The necessity of jury deliberation is a procedural aspect of how juries reach decisions, but it doesn’t define the standard of proof required in arguments presented within a legal setting.