In what type of trial is "preponderance of the evidence" the standard?

In a civil case, "preponderance of the evidence" is the standard used to determine the outcome. This means that one party must prove that their claims are more likely true than not, essentially showing that there is a greater than 50% chance that their assertions are accurate. This standard is less stringent than the criminal standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt," which reflects the higher stakes involved in criminal prosecutions. Civil cases typically involve disputes between individuals or organizations, such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, or property issues, where the ramifications are usually financial rather than punitive.

The other options represent different contexts that employ varying legal standards. Criminal cases, for example, require a higher burden of proof. Traffic cases, which often fall within the civil category, also typically follow the preponderance standard but can have specific regulations depending on jurisdiction. Federal cases may involve both civil and criminal matters, and the standard would depend on the nature of the case being tried. However, in the context of your question, civil cases are specifically noted for using the "preponderance of the evidence" standard in their proceedings.