The term "preponderance of evidence" refers to a standard of proof commonly used in civil cases. It means that one side's evidence is more convincing and likely true than the other side's. In this context, the party with the burden of proof must show that their claims are more probable than not, typically represented as over 50% certainty. In legal settings, such as courtrooms, the preponderance of evidence helps juries and judges make decisions. This standard is less strict than "beyond a reasonable doubt," which is used in criminal cases, where the stakes are higher and the evidence must be much more compelling.