Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: prior
The manifest weight of the evidence is a way of reviewing a verdict. It means that the verdict will only be changed if it is very obvious that it is wrong and there is no evidence to support it. This is different from the weight of the evidence, which looks at the strength of the evidence presented in court.
The manifest weight of the evidence is a legal term that refers to a standard of review used to determine whether a verdict is supported by the evidence presented in a trial. This standard is deferential, meaning that a verdict will only be overturned if it is clearly unsupported by the evidence and another outcome is obviously correct.
For example, if a jury finds a defendant guilty of a crime, but the evidence presented at trial was weak or contradictory, the manifest weight of the evidence standard would require the appellate court to defer to the jury's verdict unless it was clearly unsupported by the evidence. On the other hand, if the evidence overwhelmingly supported a different outcome, such as a finding of not guilty, the appellate court would be more likely to overturn the verdict.
Another example might be a civil case where a plaintiff is seeking damages for injuries sustained in a car accident. If the evidence presented at trial is inconclusive or contradictory, the manifest weight of the evidence standard would require the court to defer to the jury's verdict unless it was clearly unsupported by the evidence. However, if the evidence clearly showed that the defendant was at fault and the plaintiff suffered significant injuries, the court would be more likely to uphold the verdict.
These examples illustrate how the manifest weight of the evidence standard is used to ensure that verdicts are based on the evidence presented at trial, rather than personal biases or other factors. By requiring a high level of certainty before overturning a verdict, this standard helps to promote fairness and consistency in the legal system.