In a legal context, what does evidence refer to?

In a legal context, evidence refers to anything that proves or disproves a fact. This encompasses a wide range of information, including physical objects, documents, testimony from witnesses, and other materials that can help establish the truth of a matter in a court of law. The goal of evidence is to clarify what is true and provide a factual basis upon which a legal decision can be made.

This definition is critical because the judicial process relies heavily on the ability to substantiate claims with factual information. For example, in a trial, both the prosecution and defense will present evidence to support their case or refute the other's claims, influencing the jury's decision-making process. Evidence must adhere to certain legal standards to be admissible, ensuring that only relevant and credible information is used to determine the outcome of legal proceedings.