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Simple English definitions for legal terms

weight of evidence

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A quick definition of weight of evidence:

Weight of evidence refers to how believable or convincing evidence is, rather than how much of it there is. It's not about numbers, but about how likely the evidence is to make someone believe one side of an argument over the other. Basically, it's about how strong the evidence is.

A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Weight of evidence refers to the strength or persuasiveness of evidence in terms of its probative value, rather than the quantity or amount of evidence presented. It is determined by the effect it has on inducing belief, rather than mathematical calculations. In legal terms, weight of evidence refers to the tendency of credible evidence to support one side over the other.

For example, in a criminal trial, the prosecution may present a witness who testifies that they saw the defendant commit the crime. This testimony may carry a lot of weight of evidence, as it is a direct eyewitness account of the crime. On the other hand, the defense may present an alibi witness who testifies that the defendant was with them at the time of the crime. This testimony may also carry weight of evidence, as it provides an alternative explanation for the defendant's whereabouts at the time of the crime.

However, the weight of evidence is not solely determined by the number of witnesses or pieces of evidence presented. For instance, if the prosecution presents multiple witnesses who contradict each other or have questionable credibility, their testimony may carry less weight of evidence than a single credible witness.

Similarly, if the defense presents multiple pieces of evidence that are easily explained or contradicted by the prosecution, their evidence may carry less weight of evidence than a single piece of evidence that is difficult to refute.

Overall, the weight of evidence is determined by the persuasiveness and credibility of the evidence presented, rather than the quantity or amount of evidence.

Watkins v. United States (1957) | Weight of the evidence

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HopefullyInLawSchool
16:06
it means you will not be rejected today and may be accepted or WL in the future
Just got my Michigan rejection
BookwormBroker
16:10
same
RoaldDahl
16:10
@HopefullyInLawSchool: what if i already got rejected. does it mean anything
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:12
@RoaldDahl: Likely not however it could mean nothing
RoaldDahl
16:15
So if it means nothing does that mean something?
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:17
Possibly
RoaldDahl
16:26
Cool
RoaldDahl
16:26
thank you!!!! i hope it means something
pinkandblue
16:31
fart
IrishDinosaur
16:36
Mich R gang lesgooo
Did anyone else get that random get to know nova email?
HopefullyInLawSchool
17:21
Ya it was sent to all YM applicants
starfishies
17:37
Anyone get the NDLS email inviting you to apply for something even though they haven’t made a decision on your app yet
17:38
Better yet I got the email and I was rejected last month
starfishies
17:38
Wtf
starfishies
17:39
and the deadline is in like a week what is this
any cardozo movement?
BatmanBeyond
18:01
Sent a LOCI via portal, but I'm wondering if email would have gotten me a swifter response
BatmanBeyond
18:02
This whole hold/wait-list/reserve system is a headache
loci already?
BatmanBeyond
18:09
If the odds are like 1-2% I don't think it matters much by the numbers
12:11
I got the same NDLS email
OrangeThing
12:18
I think the user profiles are broken
19:29
Any word out of Notre Dame?
19:29
Only the invitation to apply for LSE
19:29
Anyone received a decision from NDLS?
19:50
when did u guys apply that just heard from umich? they havent even glanced at my app yet
0:30
how am i supposed to spy on people when profile links are broken?
Right. Broken links smh
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