In the context of legal procedures, what does the term "evidence" refer to?

In legal procedures, the term "evidence" refers specifically to material that supports or disproves a claim. This can encompass a wide variety of information, including physical objects, witness testimonies, documents, and other materials presented in court to establish the truth of a matter. The function of evidence is to provide a basis for the court to evaluate the arguments and claims made by both sides in a legal case.

Hearsay information from witnesses may not be considered valid evidence in many court settings, as it involves second-hand knowledge rather than firsthand experience, which can undermine its reliability. Public opinions on cases do not hold legal weight in determining the outcome of legal proceedings; they reflect societal views rather than factual evidence. Reports written by attorneys, while they can summarize or analyze evidence, do not themselves qualify as evidence in a legal sense. Evidence must be directly related to the case at hand and capable of affecting the court's decision based on its veracity and relevance to the claims made.