Plain-English Definition
Information presented in court to prove or disprove a fact. Evidence includes documents, testimony, objects, and other materials that support your case.
Legal Meaning
Information presented to a court to establish or refute facts. Evidence must be relevant, material, and properly authenticated. Rules of evidence govern what information the court may consider.
Etymology Review
From Latin evidentia, meaning clearness or obviousness, related to videre, “to see.” Evidence is what helps make something visible or knowable.
Misuse Warning
Not all information qualifies as evidence. Evidence must meet admissibility rules — hearsay, irrelevant, or unauthenticated materials may be excluded.
Boundary Note
Lexicon provides general legal and procedural information for educational purposes. It does not provide legal advice, legal representation, legal interpretation for a specific case, strategy, document preparation, or professional judgment. Meanings can vary by jurisdiction, facts, and procedural posture.