Legal Definitions - judicial evidence

Judicial evidence refers to any information, including testimony, documents, or physical objects, that is presented in a court of law to prove or disprove a fact in dispute. For information to be considered judicial evidence, it must be admissible under the specific rules of evidence that govern court proceedings. Its purpose is to help the judge or jury make a decision or reach a verdict by establishing the truth of a particular matter.

• Example 1: Criminal Trial for Arson

  In a trial where a defendant is accused of setting fire to a building, the prosecution introduces several pieces of judicial evidence. This includes expert testimony from a fire investigator explaining the origin and cause of the fire, a surveillance video showing the defendant near the building shortly before the blaze, and a receipt for accelerants purchased by the defendant found in their home. The defense, in turn, might present an alibi witness who testifies the defendant was elsewhere at the time.

  Explanation: The fire investigator's testimony, the surveillance video, the receipt, and the alibi witness's statement are all forms of judicial evidence. They are presented in court to either prove the defendant's guilt or establish their innocence, and their admissibility is determined by the court's rules of evidence.

• Example 2: Civil Lawsuit for Medical Malpractice

  A patient sues a hospital, alleging negligence during a surgical procedure. As judicial evidence, the patient's legal team submits the patient's medical records detailing the surgery and post-operative care, expert witness testimony from another surgeon explaining the standard of care that was allegedly breached, and photographs of the patient's injury. The hospital's defense might present testimony from the operating surgeon and nurses, along with internal hospital protocols.

  Explanation: The medical records, expert testimony, photographs, and witness accounts from both sides are all judicial evidence. They are presented to the court to establish whether medical negligence occurred and if it caused the patient's injury, helping the judge or jury decide the case.

• Example 3: Property Dispute Over a Boundary Line

  Two neighbors are in court to resolve a disagreement about where their property line lies. One neighbor presents a copy of their property deed with a legal description, a survey map prepared by a licensed surveyor, and historical aerial photographs of the area. The other neighbor might offer old property tax records and testimony from a long-time resident of the neighborhood who recalls where an old fence used to stand.

  Explanation: The property deed, survey map, aerial photographs, tax records, and witness testimony are all judicial evidence. They are submitted to the court to provide factual information about the property boundaries, allowing the judge to make an informed decision about the correct legal demarcation.