•The standard of proof required by law varies depending on the type of
legal proceeding, and logically corresponds to the level of liberty or other
interest that is at stake.
•The highest standard - beyond a reasonable doubt – is applied during
criminal cases, where the penalty is greatest.
•The intermediate standard – clear and convincing – is applied during
civil cases; it requires a “High probability”, or something less than “beyond
a reasonable doubt”– this standard is seen most often in the involuntary
civil commitment context.
•The lowest standard – preponderance of the evidence – is applied also
during civil cases; “More likely than not”
