Why do criminal cases have more stringent evidence-gathering requirements?

The emphasis on the stringent evidence-gathering requirements in criminal cases is fundamentally linked to the protections afforded by the Constitution to individuals being prosecuted. The Constitution enshrines rights to a fair trial and due process, which are critical when someone's liberty is at stake. This means that the burden of proof lies heavily on the prosecution to ensure that the evidence collected is not only relevant and reliable but also obtained lawfully, without violating the rights of the accused.

In criminal proceedings, the stakes are significantly higher than in civil cases, where the outcomes typically involve monetary compensation or penalties rather than the possibility of incarceration or death. As such, the legal system imposes these rigorous standards to protect the accused from wrongful convictions, thus upholding the integrity of the justice system and preserving public trust. Proper adherence to evidentiary standards helps to prevent any misuse of power by the state against its citizens.