Burden of Proof under California Law
Civil Cases:
- Preponderance of Evidence: Under CACI 200, the party must prove by evidence that what he is claiming is more likely to be true than not true. The plaintiff must prove to the court that there is more than a 50% chance that the defendant caused the harm/injury at issue. The majority of civil cases use the preponderance of evidence standard.
- Clear and Convincing Evidence: Under CACI 201, the party must prove by evidence that what he is claiming is highly probable and there is a substantial likelihood that the defendant caused the harm/injury at issue. This must be proved by clear and convincing evidence, making it a higher standard of proof than the preponderance of evidence. The clear and convincing standard is used when significant individual rights or interests are at stake, like: termination of parental rights or involuntary commitment.
Once a plaintiff has presented enough evidence to satisfy the burden of proof, the burden of proof then shifts to the defendant. The burden of proof is then on the defendant to prove that he either did not act at all or acted differently than what is being alleged. The burden of proof can continue to shift throughout a case until one party is unable to meet the burden.
Criminal Cases:
In criminal cases, the defendant is always presumed innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, the burden of proof does not shift from one party to another during criminal trials. Many people call the burden of proof standard in criminal cases, “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
If the plaintiff fails to prove even one element of the claim being asserted, the defendant does not need to prove anything.
If you are having troubles navigating a case through the court system, Hariri Law Group is here to help. Our experienced personal injury and employment attorneys are available to answer any questions you may have regarding the burden of proof or any questions regarding your specific case. Seeking a licensed professional will increase the chances of a positive outcome resulting from your case.
Hariri Law Group is based out of San Diego county, but we have knowledge and expertise in all of California law.
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