Rebuttal Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Rebuttal, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Rebuttal?

(n) Rebuttal is the negation of a proof, argument, evidence or documents provided in a proceedings by introducing counter evidence. For example if plaintiff bring a witness said to be witnessed the claim then defendant rebuttes it by placing evident that the witness was at a different place that time

History and Meaning of Rebuttal

Rebuttal is a legal term that has been in use for centuries. It originated from the French word "reboter," meaning to repulse. In law, rebuttal is the act of responding to an argument or evidence submitted by an opposing party in a legal proceeding with proof or evidence to contradict it. It is a critical process in trials as it helps to clarify and ascertain the truth of the matter at hand.

Examples of Rebuttal

  1. In a criminal trial, the prosecution presents evidence that the defendant was at the crime scene at the time of the offense. The defendant can offer rebuttal evidence that they were elsewhere at the time of the crime.

  2. In a civil lawsuit, the plaintiff presents evidence that a faulty product caused their injury. The defendant can provide rebuttal evidence that improper usage or lack of care caused the injury and not the product.

  3. In a debate about the legality of a new law, one side presents evidence that the law is unconstitutional. The other side provides rebuttal evidence that the law is within the bounds of the Constitution.

Legal Terms Similar to Rebuttal

  1. Surrebuttal - This is a further rebuttal to the opposing party's rebuttal evidence.

  2. Refutation - This is the process of proving a statement or argument to be false or incorrect.

  3. Objection - This is an expression of disagreement or disapproval, usually raised during a legal proceeding, regarding a piece of evidence or argument presented by the opposing party.

  4. Argument - This is a set of reasons presented to support a proposition or claim, usually during a legal proceeding.