200
Explain the differences among “beyond a reasonable doubt,”
“preponderance of the evidence,” and “clear and convincing.”
These are burdens of proof of varying degree. Under “a preponderance
of the evidence,” the finder is asked to find for the party which, on the whole has
stronger evidence, however slight. Under “clear and convincing evidence,” the
finder must believe it is substantially more likely than not that the thing is in
fact true. Under “beyond a reasonable doubt,” the finder must be firmly
convinced of the defendant’s guilt.