What is the standard of proof in a defamation lawsuit?

In Oklahoma, the standard of proof in a defamation lawsuit is known as the “preponderance of the evidence” standard. This legal concept means that the court must be persuaded by the evidence presented that it is more likely than not that the defendant’s statement was false and/or caused damage to the plaintiff’s reputation. The preponderance of evidence standard means that the plaintiff’s evidence and arguments must be more convincing than that of the defendant in order to prove that the statement was false and caused damage. This standard is a lower burden of proof than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard used in criminal cases. As a result, it can be easier for a plaintiff to win a defamation case. In Oklahoma, another concept related to the preponderance of evidence is known as the “substantial truth” rule. This legal concept holds that a statement can be defamatory even if some details are exaggerated or incorrect, as long as the gist or “substance” of the statement is substantially true. This means that the plaintiff must still prove that the statement was false and caused damage, but only on the details that were untrue. The standard of proof in a defamation lawsuit in Oklahoma is the preponderance of evidence. It requires the plaintiff’s evidence and arguments to be more convincing than that of the defendant in order to establish the statement was false and caused damage to reputation. Additionally, the substantial truth rule means that a statement can be found defamatory even if some details are exaggerated or incorrect, so long as the gist or “substance” of the statement is substantially true.

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What is the standard of proof in a defamation lawsuit?

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