Legal Definitions - introduce into evidence

To introduce into evidence means to formally present a piece of information or an object during a legal proceeding, such as a trial, so that it becomes an official part of the court's record. Once something is introduced into evidence, the judge or jury is permitted to consider it when reaching a verdict or making a decision.

Here are some examples illustrating this concept:

• Imagine a prosecutor in a criminal trial for theft. To prove the defendant was at the scene, the prosecutor might ask a witness, such as a store manager, to identify security camera footage showing the defendant entering the store. After the witness authenticates the footage, the prosecutor would formally state, "Your Honor, we would like to introduce into evidence Exhibit A, the security camera footage." If the judge agrees, the video then becomes an official piece of evidence that the jury can watch and consider in their deliberations.

• In a civil lawsuit concerning a breach of contract, an attorney for the plaintiff might want to show the court the original signed agreement between the two parties. The attorney would present the physical contract to the judge and opposing counsel and then formally move to introduce it into evidence. Once accepted by the court, this contract is officially part of the case record, allowing the judge or jury to examine its terms and determine if a breach occurred.

• Consider a personal injury case where a plaintiff is seeking compensation for medical expenses. The plaintiff's attorney would need to present the medical bills and doctor's reports to the court. After a witness, perhaps the treating physician or a medical records custodian, testifies to the authenticity and relevance of these documents, the attorney would move to introduce them into evidence. This action makes the medical records official proof of the plaintiff's injuries and treatment costs, which the jury can then use to calculate damages.