What does 'substantial evidence' mean?

What does 'substantial evidence' mean?

• A. Such relevant proof as a reasonable mind may accept as adequate to support a conclusion
• B. A preponderance of the evidence
• C. Evidence beyond a reasonable doubt
• D. Absolute certainty

Answer: (A)

Substantial evidence is the standard used when reviewing administrative agency decisions. It means there is relevant proof that a reasonable mind may accept as adequate to support the conclusion. It’s not required to be overwhelming or to meet the civil or criminal standards of proof; it’s about whether the record contains credible evidence that a reasonable person could rely on to reach the agency’s result. The idea is that a court should not substitute its own view for the agency’s if there’s enough credible evidence to support what the agency decided, even if other reasonable views could exist. This is different from a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not), which applies in civil trials, and from beyond a reasonable doubt, which applies in criminal cases. Absolute certainty is never the standard.

Substantial evidence is the standard used when reviewing administrative agency decisions. It means there is relevant proof that a reasonable mind may accept as adequate to support the conclusion. It’s not required to be overwhelming or to meet the civil or criminal standards of proof; it’s about whether the record contains credible evidence that a reasonable person could rely on to reach the agency’s result. The idea is that a court should not substitute its own view for the agency’s if there’s enough credible evidence to support what the agency decided, even if other reasonable views could exist. This is different from a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not), which applies in civil trials, and from beyond a reasonable doubt, which applies in criminal cases. Absolute certainty is never the standard.