What is the standard of proof required for a plaintiff to show responsibility of the other party in a civil case?

In civil cases, the standard of proof required is known as "preponderance of the evidence." This standard means that the plaintiff must demonstrate that it is more likely than not that their claims are true. In practical terms, this means that the evidence must show that there is a greater than 50% chance that the facts presented by the plaintiff are accurate compared to the defendant's side of the story.

This standard is lower than in criminal cases, where "beyond a reasonable doubt" is required, meaning the evidence must leave no reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. Similarly, "clear and convincing evidence" is a higher standard than the preponderance of the evidence and is typically used in cases involving certain civil matters, such as termination of parental rights or fraud claims. "Probable cause," which relates to the reasonable belief that a crime has occurred, is not applicable in the context of civil liability.

Thus, preponderance of the evidence is the appropriate standard for establishing responsibility in civil cases, as it effectively balances the interests of both parties and allows for a resolution based on the likelihood of truth rather than absolute certainty.