What is the necessary standard of proof in civil litigation for a defendant to prevail on a defamation claim?

In civil litigation, a plaintiff must establish their case by a preponderance of the evidence when pursuing a defamation claim. This standard means that the evidence presented by the plaintiff must show that it is more likely than not that the statements made were defamatory, thereby causing harm to the plaintiff's reputation.

In defining the preponderance of the evidence, it is essential to understand that this is a lower standard compared to criminal cases, where the burden is on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Since defamation is a civil matter, the focus is on the weight of the evidence, rather than the certainty required in criminal proceedings.

Additionally, the requirement that the defendant admit liability for damages is not a standard for proving defamation but rather an alternative scenario where liability is acknowledged without litigation. Thus, the correct choice accurately reflects the standard of proof necessary in this context.