Why is there a higher standard of proof in criminal cases than in civil cases?

Answer

I think because in civil trials, unlike criminal, the facts of the case are often not based on physical evidence but rather witness's accounts, beliefs and morals, making it harder to prove guilt in the eyes of a magistrate or jury.

In criminal trials they have a higher standard of proof because lots of the evidence is physical and assumptions on guilt can be made more easily from this; rather than basing guilt on the morality of the crime.

Hope this answers your question. I'm not sure of my answers validity in the US but in Australia I think it's correct.

Answer

Generally the consequences befalling an individual facing a criminal conviction, as opposed to civil liability, are much more severe. The loss of life (for capital offences), loss of liberty (where incarceration is possible) and the stigma of carrying a criminal record require a higher standard of proof before subjecting an individual to a criminal conviction.

The coercive power of the state is often considered as having too great a potential for abuse that a criminal sanction should only occur in the clearest of circumstances.

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