Legal Definitions - Substantial evidence

Substantial evidence

Substantial evidence is a standard of review used by appellate courts to determine whether there is enough evidence to support the findings made by a lower court. The court will ask whether there is enough evidence to support the decision made by the lower court.

For example, if a lower court found a defendant guilty of a crime, an appellate court would review the evidence presented at trial to determine whether there was substantial evidence to support the guilty verdict. If the appellate court finds that there was not enough evidence to support the verdict, it may overturn the decision and order a new trial.

Another example would be in a civil case where a lower court awarded damages to a plaintiff. The appellate court would review the evidence presented at trial to determine whether there was substantial evidence to support the damages awarded. If the appellate court finds that there was not enough evidence to support the damages awarded, it may reduce the damages or order a new trial.

Substantial evidence is a legal term used to describe the amount of evidence needed to support a decision made by a lower court. The appellate court will review the evidence presented at trial to determine whether there is enough evidence to support the decision made by the lower court. If the appellate court finds that there is not enough evidence, it may overturn the decision and order a new trial or reduce the damages awarded.