Legal Definitions - exhibit

In legal contexts, an exhibit refers to an item or document that is formally presented or attached as part of a legal process or instrument.

It generally encompasses two main meanings:

• An object, document, photograph, or other tangible item formally introduced and shown to a court, jury, or administrative body as evidence to support a claim, argument, or defense in a legal proceeding.
• A document that is attached to and made an integral part of another primary legal document, such as a contract, a court filing (like a motion or pleading), or a will. These attachments provide additional details, context, or supporting information for the main document.

Examples:

• During a criminal trial for theft, the prosecutor presents a surveillance video showing the defendant taking items from a store. The video footage is formally introduced to the court and jury as "Prosecution Exhibit 1."

  This illustrates an exhibit as evidence formally introduced in court. The video is a tangible item presented to help prove the defendant's actions.

• When a real estate developer signs a purchase agreement for a large parcel of land, the main contract document might refer to a separate, detailed map outlining the exact boundaries and easements of the property. This map is physically attached to the main contract and labeled as "Exhibit A: Property Survey."

  Here, the property survey map serves as an exhibit because it is attached to and made a part of the primary legal instrument (the purchase agreement), providing crucial details that define the scope of the transaction.

• A lawyer files a motion with the court asking a judge to compel the opposing party to produce certain documents. To support the motion, the lawyer attaches copies of previous written requests for those documents and the opposing party's refusal letters. These attached letters are referenced in the motion and included as "Exhibit 1" and "Exhibit 2" at the end of the court filing.

  In this scenario, the letters are exhibits because they are documents attached to a court filing (the motion) to provide supporting evidence and context for the legal arguments being presented to the judge.