What is the test for establishing a balance of probabilities in a civil action?

British Columbia, Canada


The following excerpt is from Conners v. McMillan, 2020 BCPC 230 (CanLII):

The starting point is that in a civil action, the person asserting a claim must establish the claim on a balance of probabilities. This applies to the claimant and a defendant who is a claimant by way of counterclaim. Facts required to prove a claim or a defence, must be established by the evidence at trial. The trial judge will consider all the evidence and determine whether it is more likely than not that the event, fact or statement occurred: Clayton v. North Shore Driving School, [2017] B.C.M. No. 1295, at para. 77.

Other Questions


How have special costs been awarded in civil actions where the purpose of the civil action was to silence public opposition? (British Columbia, Canada)
What is the test for establishing earnings loss on a balance of probabilities? (British Columbia, Canada)
What is the test for establishing on a balance of probabilities that a contract was formed? (British Columbia, Canada)
Can a plaintiff in a personal injury action commence an action against a defendant in the same action against the same defendant? (British Columbia, Canada)
Does a witness in a civil proceeding have absolute immunity from civil action at common law? (British Columbia, Canada)
What is the standard of proof for a plaintiff to prove that a hypothetical event is not a probability, not a balance of probabilities? (British Columbia, Canada)
In what circumstances will a civil court require a higher degree of probability than it would require for a criminal court to consider whether negligence was established? (British Columbia, Canada)
Does a defendant in a civil action have a right to stay the action pending the disposition of the criminal proceedings? (British Columbia, Canada)
What is the test for establishing a common issue in a class action? (British Columbia, Canada)
Does a plaintiff have to prove past events such as negligence on a balance of probabilities? (British Columbia, Canada)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.