Legal Definitions - showing

In legal terms, a "showing" refers to the act of presenting sufficient evidence and arguments to establish or demonstrate a particular fact, claim, or legal requirement to a court or other legal authority. It means providing enough information to convince the decision-maker that something is true, often to a specific standard of proof.

• Example 1: Establishing a Claim in a Civil Lawsuit

  Imagine a homeowner who sues a contractor, claiming the contractor performed shoddy work on their kitchen renovation. To proceed with their case, the homeowner must make a "showing" to the court that the contractor's work was indeed substandard and caused them damages. This might involve presenting photographic evidence of defects, expert testimony from another contractor, copies of the contract, and receipts for repairs. By providing these pieces of evidence and explaining how they demonstrate the contractor's failure, the homeowner is making a "showing" to the judge that their claim has a factual basis and should be heard.

• Example 2: Justifying a Search Warrant in a Criminal Investigation

  A police officer suspects that a particular individual is involved in illegal drug trafficking and believes evidence is stored in their home. Before searching the home, the officer must obtain a search warrant from a judge. To do this, the officer needs to make a "showing" of probable cause. This involves submitting a sworn affidavit (a written statement under oath) to the judge, detailing specific facts and circumstances—such as observations from surveillance, information from a reliable informant, or evidence gathered from other sources—that lead them to reasonably believe a crime has been committed and evidence of that crime will be found at that specific location. The judge reviews this "showing" to determine if there's enough justification to issue the warrant.

• Example 3: Meeting Eligibility for a Government Benefit or Permit

  Consider a small business applying for a special permit to operate a food truck in a designated public park. The city ordinance requires that all food truck operators demonstrate they have appropriate health and safety certifications, adequate insurance coverage, and a menu that aligns with park regulations. The business owner must make a "showing" to the city's permitting office that they meet all these criteria. This would involve submitting copies of their health inspection certificates, proof of insurance, a detailed menu, and perhaps a business plan. By providing these documents and explanations, the business owner is making a "showing" that they are eligible for the permit.