Clear and convincing evidence

Definition

Clear and convincing evidence is a standard of proof that requires a party to present evidence that is highly and substantially more likely to be true than not. This level of proof is stronger than the preponderance of the evidence standard but lower than beyond a reasonable doubt. It is often used in civil cases where a party seeks to establish a claim or defense that requires a higher level of certainty, impacting various stages of litigation, including motions for summary judgment, relief from judgment, and standards of review.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Clear and convincing evidence is typically required in cases involving fraud, termination of parental rights, or civil commitments.
2. This standard requires that the evidence not only be clear but also leave the trier of fact with a firm conviction regarding the truth of the allegations.
3. In the context of summary judgment, a party must demonstrate clear and convincing evidence to support their claims when such high stakes are involved.
4. When seeking relief from judgment, clear and convincing evidence may be necessary to overturn a prior ruling or demonstrate that significant new evidence has emerged.
5. This standard can influence appellate review, as courts may evaluate whether the original decision was based on clear and convincing evidence when considering an appeal.

Review Questions

• How does the clear and convincing evidence standard differ from the preponderance of the evidence standard in civil cases?
  • The clear and convincing evidence standard requires a higher level of certainty than the preponderance of the evidence standard. While preponderance only requires that something is more likely true than not (greater than 50% likelihood), clear and convincing evidence necessitates that the evidence shows that something is highly and substantially more likely true than not. This difference is crucial in civil cases where certain claims, like fraud or parental rights termination, demand stronger proof to ensure fairness and justice.
• In what scenarios might clear and convincing evidence be necessary for relief from judgment in civil litigation?
  • Clear and convincing evidence may be essential for relief from judgment when a party seeks to overturn a previous ruling due to newly discovered evidence or significant procedural errors. The party must demonstrate that this new information not only exists but also has the potential to change the outcome of the case. Meeting this higher burden helps maintain the integrity of judicial decisions by ensuring that only compelling and substantial reasons justify revisiting prior judgments.
• Evaluate how the clear and convincing evidence standard impacts the appellate review process in civil cases.
  • The clear and convincing evidence standard significantly shapes appellate review by focusing on whether lower courts adequately met this high threshold in their rulings. When an appellate court assesses an appeal involving this standard, it scrutinizes whether the original findings were supported by strong, compelling evidence that left little room for doubt. This careful evaluation ensures that judgments made at lower levels are both fair and just, maintaining consistency across judicial decisions while upholding the rights of all parties involved.

Related terms

Preponderance of Evidence: A standard of proof that requires a party to show that something is more likely true than not, typically used in civil cases.

Burden of Proof: The obligation of a party to prove its allegations or claims in a legal proceeding, which may vary depending on the standard applied.

Judicial Review: The process by which a court examines the actions of lower courts or administrative agencies to determine whether they complied with the law and legal standards.