What is a 'scintilla of evidence'?

A 'scintilla of evidence' refers to a very small amount or minimal amount of evidence that is sufficient for a case to proceed. In legal proceedings, especially in civil cases, the standard for what constitutes adequate evidence can vary, but the term implies that even a slight or minimal showing of evidence can allow a party to get past preliminary procedural hurdles, such as a motion to dismiss.

This concept is particularly relevant in situations where the court is assessing whether a reasonable case has been made that warrants going to trial. The idea is that if there is at least a scintilla of evidence, the matter should not be thrown out at an early stage as it suggests there is some basis for a claim, no matter how small. This principle encourages the court to allow issues to be fully explored at trial rather than dismissing them prematurely, thus ensuring fairness in the judicial process.

The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of 'scintilla of evidence.' For example, contradictory testimony (the first option) deals with opposing evidence or statements that do not align, which is not the same as minimal evidence. Expert opinions (the third option) involve specialized knowledge and are distinct from the idea of merely having a small amount of evidence. Lastly, a large