MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the MCOLES State Licensing Exam. Master key law enforcement topics with comprehensive questions, hints, and explanations. Get confident and exam-ready with our interactive quiz!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

In terms of legal definitions, what does 'Preponderance of Evidence' mean?

The standard of proof in civil cases, meaning more likely than not.
A higher standard of proof than beyond a reasonable doubt.
The minimal standard needed to prove intent.
The same as beyond a reasonable doubt.

The correct answer is: The standard of proof in civil cases, meaning more likely than not.

The term 'Preponderance of Evidence' is primarily used in civil law to indicate the standard of proof required to prevail in a lawsuit. This standard essentially means that one party's evidence is more convincing than the other's, or in simpler terms, that it is more likely than not that the claims being made are true. It requires that the evidence presented shows a greater than 50% likelihood that the claim is valid. This measure contrasts with criminal cases, where a higher threshold known as "beyond a reasonable doubt" is necessary to secure a conviction. The preponderance of evidence does not require absolute certainty, just a greater than 50% likelihood. Thus, it is a fundamental concept in civil litigation, solidifying why the explanation stating it means "more likely than not" is accurate and represents the essence of this legal standard.