Which of the following describes the criteria by which cases are tried in civil law?

The correct choice highlights that in civil law, the outcomes of cases are determined by the "balance of probabilities." This principle means that a party's claims are deemed valid if they are more likely true than not true, establishing a standard of proof that is lower than that required in criminal law.

In civil cases, the burden of proof lies on the claimant, who must convince the judge or jury that their version of the facts is more credible than the opposing party's. If the evidence presented suggests that a claim is more probable than not, the party making the claim prevails. This standard is a fundamental aspect of civil law, distinguishing it from criminal law, where the standard is "beyond a reasonable doubt."

The other choices do not align with the civil law's methodology. For example, requiring juries to find consensus does not accurately reflect civil law practices, which may not always employ juries in the first place and may allow for decisions based on majority opinion or a single judge's ruling. Additionally, decisions based on opinions do not constitute a formal legal standard; the law is based on evidence and legal rules rather than personal opinions. Lastly, the standard of "beyond reasonable doubt" is specific to criminal proceedings, focusing on ensuring that a defendant