What is considered "evidence" in a legal proceeding?

In a legal proceeding, "evidence" refers to information that is presented to prove or disprove facts in a case. This can encompass a wide range of materials, including testimonies, documents, physical objects, and various forms of media that help establish whether the claims made by either party in a case are true or false. Proper evidence serves to build a narrative and support the arguments made during the trial, thereby directly impacting the outcome of the case.

While physical objects, opinions from law enforcement, and statements made by a jury can be components of the evidentiary process, they do not encompass the broader definition of evidence itself. Physical objects are a subset of evidence but do not represent the full spectrum of what can be considered evidence. Law enforcement opinions may contribute to the understanding of a case, but they do not hold the same weight as factual evidence in court. Lastly, statements made by the jury are reflections of their deliberations and conclusions, rather than the evidence presented during the trial. Hence, recognizing evidence as information that proves or disproves facts is essential to understanding its role in legal proceedings.