What must a plaintiff establish in a civil trial to be successful in their claim?

• A. The insurer's liability
• B. A preponderance of evidence
• C. Intentional wrongdoing
• D. Strict liability

Answer: (B)

To be successful in a civil trial, a plaintiff must establish their case by a preponderance of the evidence. This standard of proof means that the evidence presented must show that it is more likely than not that the claims made by the plaintiff are true. Essentially, it requires the plaintiff to demonstrate that there is greater than a 50% chance that their version of the facts is correct.

This standard is pivotal in civil cases as it differs significantly from the higher standard required in criminal cases, which is "beyond a reasonable doubt." In civil trials, the focus is often on the balance of probabilities rather than certainty. Thus, successfully establishing a preponderance of evidence is a foundational element for the plaintiff’s claims to be validated by the court.

In contrast, establishing the insurer's liability or proving intentional wrongdoing or strict liability might be relevant to specific types of cases, but they are not fundamental requirements for all civil claims. The preponderance of the evidence is the overarching standard that applies across civil litigation.