Law
Distinguishing Civil and Criminal Burden of Proof Standards
Quick fact
In a civil trial, a plaintiff wins if they prove their case with just 51% certainty (a 'preponderance of the evidence'), while a criminal conviction requires proof 'beyond a reasonable doubt'—a much higher bar that leaves virtually no doubt in the jurors' minds.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a famous football player is acquitted of murder in criminal court, yet the same jury finds him liable for wrongful death in civil court—how can that be? The answer lies in the 'burden of proof'—the level of certainty needed to win a case.