What does it mean for a plaintiff to prove their case "on the balance of probabilities"?

To prove a case "on the balance of probabilities" means that the plaintiff must demonstrate that their claims are more likely to be true than not true. This standard is commonly used in civil cases and is a lower threshold compared to the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard applied in criminal cases.

In a civil context, if the evidence presented shows that there is a greater than 50% chance that the plaintiff's version of events is accurate, then the plaintiff has met the burden of proof required to succeed in their claim. This approach allows for a decision based on the preponderance of the evidence, rather than requiring absolute certainty or proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Thus, the correct understanding of this standard lies in the comparative likelihood of the evidence supporting one side over the other.