Legal Definitions - relevant evidence

Relevant evidence refers to information presented in a legal case that has a logical connection to a disputed fact and makes that fact more or less likely to be true. For evidence to be considered relevant, it must relate to an issue that is important to the outcome of the case. If evidence doesn't help prove or disprove a significant point, it's generally not considered relevant and may not be allowed in court.

• Example 1: Criminal Theft Case

  Imagine a person is accused of stealing a valuable antique watch from a jewelry store. The prosecution introduces a security camera video recording from inside the store, timestamped at the exact moment of the theft, showing the accused person reaching into a display case and placing an item into their pocket.

  This video footage is relevant evidence because it directly connects the accused to the crime scene and the act of taking an item, making it much more probable that they committed the theft. It helps prove a key fact: who took the watch.

• Example 2: Civil Car Accident Case

  Consider a lawsuit where two drivers are disputing who was at fault for a car collision at an intersection. Driver A claims they had a green light, while Driver B insists they did. A witness who was waiting at the bus stop nearby testifies that they clearly saw Driver B's traffic light turn red just before the collision.

  The witness's testimony is relevant evidence because it directly addresses a central disputed fact – the color of the traffic light for Driver B. This testimony makes it more probable that Driver B ran a red light, which is crucial for determining fault in the accident.

• Example 3: Contract Dispute Between Businesses

  Suppose two companies are in a legal dispute over whether a binding contract was formed for a large construction project. Company X claims they had a deal, while Company Y argues it was only preliminary discussions. Company X presents a signed document titled "Construction Agreement" that outlines the scope of work, payment schedule, and completion date, bearing the signatures of both companies' CEOs.

  This signed document is relevant evidence because it directly demonstrates the intent of both parties to enter into a formal agreement and outlines the specific terms of that agreement. It helps prove the existence and content of a contract, which is the core issue in this dispute.