Responsibility for Proof-Affirmative Defense Preponderance of the Evidence is the burden of proof placed on a defendant in a civil trial. It is a lesser burden than “beyond a reasonable doubt”, which is required in criminal cases. The defendant must prove that the preponderance of the evidence is in favor of his or her defense. The two types of Responsibility for Proof-Affirmative Defense Preponderance of the Evidence are direct evidence and circumstantial evidence. Direct evidence is evidence that directly proves or disproves a fact, such as a witness statement or a document. On the other hand, circumstantial evidence is indirect evidence that must be weighed and interpreted in order to draw conclusions. The defendant must provide evidence to support their defense, and the burden of proof is on the defendant to demonstrate that the preponderance of the evidence is in favor of their defense. If the defendant is unable to do so, then the plaintiff will prevail.