What is meant by "preponderance of evidence"?

The term "preponderance of evidence" refers to the standard of proof commonly used in civil cases and in administrative hearings, where the burden of proof is on one party to demonstrate that their claims are more likely to be true than not. In this context, the correct interpretation is that "preponderance of evidence" signifies evidence that is enough to establish that a fact is true, based on its greater weight or credibility when compared to the opposing evidence.

This involves evaluating the quality and quantity of evidence presented. When one side's evidence outweighs the other, even slightly, it meets the preponderance standard. Thus, it doesn't require absolute certainty or convincing proof beyond a reasonable doubt; it simply needs to tip the scales in favor of one side.

In contrast, the other options describe different concepts of evidence that do not accurately capture the essence of "preponderance of evidence." For example, the highest standard of proof refers to "beyond a reasonable doubt," which is primarily used in criminal cases. Evidence sufficient to establish a fact when unexplained does not reflect the comparative nature of the preponderance standard, and evidence primarily based on witness testimony alone cannot alone constitute the preponderance, as it must be evaluated in conjunction with other evidence