Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
evidence
Read a random definition: partial disability
A quick definition of evidence:
Definition: Evidence is information or an item that helps prove whether something is true or not. It can be things like pictures, videos, documents, or even DNA testing. However, not all evidence can be used in court. The rules of evidence determine what evidence can be presented in court. These rules are different for each state and federal court. Evidence must be relevant and not hearsay to be admissible. The burden of producing evidence and persuading the court is also allocated among the parties. Privileges are also addressed in the rules of evidence.
A more thorough explanation:
Evidence is information or an item presented to make a fact more or less likely to be true. It can be in the form of testimony, documents, photographs, videos, voice recordings, DNA testing, or other tangible objects. However, not all evidence can be presented in court. Evidence must be admissible under the jurisdiction's rules of evidence to be presented in court.
- A witness testifying in court about what they saw or heard
- A document, such as a contract or a medical record
- A photograph or video of an event
- A DNA test result
These examples illustrate how evidence can take many forms and can be used to support or refute a claim in court. For example, a witness's testimony can provide evidence that a crime was committed, while a DNA test result can provide evidence that a suspect was present at the crime scene.