The proof which may be admitted that is both (i) relevant to the case in determining whether or not something is more or less true, and (ii) is reliable, that it can be authenticated. Evidence includes objects, photographs, documents, witness testimony, government records, laboratory reports and more. The Federal Rules of Evidence govern what may be admissible at trial. See also admissible evidence, relevance, inadmissible evidence.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
Any species of proof, or probative matter, legally presented at the trial of an issue, by the act of the parties and through the medium of witnesses, records, documents, concrete objects, etc., for the purpose of inducing belief in the minds of the court or jury as to their contention. Hotchkiss v. Newton, 10 Ga. 567; State v. Thomas, 50 La. Ann. 148, 23 South. 250; Cook v. New Durham, 64 N. H. 419, 13 Atl. 650; Kring v. Missouri, 107 U. S. 221, 2 Sup. Ct. 443, 27 L. Ed. ‘506; O’Brien v. State, 69 Neb. 691, 96 N. W. 650; Hubbell v. U. S., 15 Ct. CI. 606; McWilliams v. Rodgers, 56 Ala. 93. The word “evidence,” in legal acceptation, includes all the means by which any alleged matter of fact, the truth of which is submitted to investigation, is established or disproved. 1 Greenl. Ev. c. 1,