There is no exactness when describing the relative burdens of
proof, different courts have different articulations. Preponderance
of the evidence means the evidence supports one conclusion over
another no matter how slightly, clear and convincing means the
evidence clearly supports one conclusion over another, and beyond a
reasonable doubt means that the evidence comes at least close to
supporting only one conclusion. Clear and convincing is often
required to overcome a legal presumption, such as appealing a
guilty plea, finding mental incompetency, or arguing an apparently
valid contract is the product of fraud.