Weight Of Evidence Definition and Legal Meaning
On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Weight Of Evidence, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.
What is Weight Of Evidence?
(n) Weight of evidence is the relative importance of the evidence produced by one side of the case as against the relevance of the evidences produced by the other party of the suit. For example plaintiff produces a witnesses said to be seen the crime done by the defended at that time, where as the defended produced documental evidence proving that he was in police custody at the time crime. The later one carries weight over the single witness
History and Meaning of Weight of Evidence
Weight of evidence is a legal term that refers to the relative importance of evidence produced by each party in a legal suit. The weight of evidence can be the deciding factor in a case, as it determines which party's evidence is more convincing or credible. This term has historical roots dating back to early common law, and it has continued to be an important concept in the modern legal system.
Examples of Weight of Evidence
- In a criminal case, a witness may provide testimony that the defendant committed the crime, but the defense may produce evidence that disproves the witness's statement. The weight of evidence would then be considered by the judge or jury when making a decision about the defendant's guilt.
- In a civil lawsuit, both parties may produce witnesses to support their claims. However, if one party's witness has more expertise or credibility than the other's, their evidence will carry more weight.
- In an immigration case, an applicant may provide a variety of evidence to support their case for a visa or green card. The weight of this evidence will be considered by the decision-maker in determining whether the applicant is eligible for the requested status.
Legal Terms Similar to Weight of Evidence
- Preponderance of evidence - This term refers to the level of evidence required to find a defendant guilty in a civil case. The evidence must simply tip the scales in favor of one party over the other.
- Burden of proof - This legal concept refers to the obligation of one party to prove their case in a legal dispute. The burden of proof rests with the prosecutor in a criminal case and with the plaintiff in a civil case.
- Admissibility of evidence - This term refers to whether evidence may be considered in a trial or other legal proceeding. Evidence must meet certain criteria to be considered admissible.