balance of probabilities

Definition of balance of probabilities

Noun

balance of probabilities (uncountable)

1. (law) A legal standard, applied in many jurisdictions for deciding the outcome of civil disputes, which requires that a dispute be decided in favor of the party whose claims are more likely to be true.

Synonyms

• preponderance of the evidence

Coordinate terms

• clear and convincing evidence
• beyond a reasonable doubt
• probable cause