What does 'balance of probabilities' refer to in legal terms?

'Balance of probabilities' is a legal standard used primarily in civil cases, which requires that a party's claims are more likely to be true than not. This means that the claimant must present evidence that makes their assertion more credible than the opposing party's claims, achieving a level of certainty that exceeds 50%. Essentially, the claimant needs to demonstrate that their version of events is more plausible than the alternative presented by the defendant.

This standard contrasts with the 'beyond a reasonable doubt' standard applied in criminal cases, where the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt to a much higher degree of certainty. Therefore, 'balance of probabilities' is a distinct concept reflecting the evidentiary burden in civil litigation, making it crucial for understanding how outcomes are determined in this context. This clarification helps delineate why the other options do not accurately capture the meaning of 'balance of probabilities.'