What is the primary function of evidence in civil trials?

The primary function of evidence in civil trials is to establish facts and influence the court's decision. In the context of civil litigation, the process is fundamentally about resolving disputes between parties based on the preponderance of the evidence, which means that the evidence presented must show that something is more likely true than not.

In civil cases, parties present evidence to prove or disprove claims made by either side, and this evidence can take various forms, such as documents, witness testimony, and expert opinions. The ultimate goal is for the judge (or jury) to reach a well-informed decision based on the totality of the evidence presented. Thus, the role of evidence is pivotal in aiding the court in understanding the facts of the case and in guiding its decision-making process.

Because establishing guilt beyond a reasonable doubt pertains specifically to criminal law, and determining criminal liability is not applicable in civil trials, these aspects do not fit the primary function of evidence in a civil context. Similarly, while entertaining the jury may be a byproduct of effective storytelling in presenting evidence, it is not a fundamental purpose of evidence in a civil trial.