Opinion ID: 2302531
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 41

Heading: Legal Analysis/Burden and standard

Text: As the ODC acknowledges, it bears the burden of proving the charged misconduct by clear and convincing evidence. See Rule 15(c) (standard of proof) and Rule 15(d) (burden of proof) of the Delaware Lawyers' Rules of Disciplinary Procedure (Procedural Rules). The Delaware Supreme Court has defined clear and convincing evidence to be that which produces in the mind of the trier of fact an abiding conviction that the truth of [the] factual contentions [is] `highly probable.' Hudak v. Procek, 806 A.2d 140, 147 (Del. 2002) (citations omitted). Stated differently, To establish proof by clear and convincing evidence means to prove something that is highly probable, reasonably certain, and free from serious doubt. Id.