Scintilla of Evidence

Term: Scintilla of EvidenceDefinition: The smallest amount of evidence necessary to support a fact or point in a legal case, sufficient to allow the case to proceed to the jury.Phonetic Pronunciation: (sin-TIL-uh of EV-i-dens)Origin: The term "scintilla" originates from Latin, meaning "spark" or "a small particle." It was adopted into legal terminology to describe the minimal evidence required to sustain a legal argument. This concept has been used in common law jurisdictions to set a threshold for the sufficiency of evidence.Significance in Asbestos Context: In asbestos litigation, proving exposure and causation can be challenging. The "scintilla of evidence" standard is crucial because it allows cases with minimal but credible evidence to proceed to trial, where more detailed evidence can be presented. This is particularly important for plaintiffs who may have limited direct evidence of asbestos exposure.Example Sentence: In the asbestos lawsuit, the plaintiff's attorney argued that the medical records showing the client's lung condition provided the necessary scintilla of evidence to proceed to trial.Related Terms: Burden of Proof, Preponderance of Evidence, Causation, Exposure Evidence, Trial ThresholdNotes: - The scintilla of evidence standard is often confused with the higher standard of "preponderance of evidence," which requires more substantial proof. - It is a minimal standard and does not guarantee a win at trial, only that the case can move forward. - Some jurisdictions may have different interpretations or thresholds for what constitutes a scintilla of evidence.