In a civil case, a plaintiff wins a lawsuit if he is 51 percent convincing, and collects 100 percent of his damages. In a criminal case the prosecutor must prove his case beyond a reasonable doubt. Why is there such a significant difference in the burden of proof between civil and criminal cases?
a. The burden is higher in a criminal case because the consequences that the defendant faces are more severe.
b. The burden is lower in a civil case because society wants to encourage litigation; it is the best way to resolve disputes.
c. The burden is higher in a criminal case because we want to make sure that we find more defendants guilty even if it risks putting innocent people behind bars.
d. The burden is lower in a civil case because the plaintiff has to pay both his own and the defendant’s legal fees.