What is evidence in a legal context?

In a legal context, evidence encompasses any species of proof that is presented at trial to establish the facts of a case. This broad definition includes not just physical items but also testimonies, documents, and reports. The key aspect of evidence is that it is meant to help a judge or jury reach a decision based on concrete information regarding the case at hand.

While testimonies, documents, and expert reports are all forms of evidence, they are specific categories within the wider landscape of what constitutes evidence. Therefore, stating that evidence is simply "any species of proof presented at trial" captures the comprehensive nature of evidence, which can include various forms like oral testimonies, written materials, and expert analyses. This definition thus lays the groundwork for understanding how all these components work together to support or refute claims made in legal proceedings.