Glossary
Clear and convincing evidence
A standard of proof higher than "preponderance of the evidence" but lower than "beyond a reasonable doubt." Used in some civil cases, especially fraud, termination of parental rights, and certain probate matters.
Clear and convincing evidence is the middle of the three main standards. It requires a "high probability" that the claim is true: not just more likely than not, but solidly more likely.
When this standard applies depends on the type of case. State legislatures and courts have decided that for certain serious civil matters: like ending someone's parental rights: the ordinary preponderance standard isn't protective enough, but the criminal beyond-a-reasonable-doubt standard would be too high.