Legal Definitions - rebut

To rebut means to present evidence, facts, or an argument that challenges, contradicts, or disproves a claim, statement, or piece of evidence previously put forward. It involves offering contrary proof or a counter-argument to weaken or invalidate an opposing point.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Imagine a situation where a prosecutor presents a witness who testifies that they saw the defendant at the scene of a crime. The defense attorney might then call a different witness who testifies that they were with the defendant in a completely different location at the exact same time. This second testimony is intended to rebut the prosecutor's witness, casting doubt on the defendant's presence at the crime scene.

• Consider a business dispute where one company claims another company failed to meet a project deadline, causing financial losses. The accused company could rebut this claim by presenting official project logs and emails showing that the delays were actually caused by the first company's own failure to provide necessary information on time, thereby shifting responsibility.

• In a product liability case, a consumer might claim that a manufacturing defect in a new appliance caused it to malfunction and damage their home. The appliance manufacturer could rebut this accusation by providing an independent expert's report that concludes the malfunction was due to improper installation by the consumer, rather than a defect in the product itself.