Evidence
Data presented to a court or jury in proof of the facts in issue and which may include the testimony of witnesses, records, documents or objects. The defense and prosecution are each allowed to present evidence in support of their cases. the judge decides on the evidence allowed in court
Evidence
Secondhand testimony. A statement that is offered by a witness as the truth, however, the statement was actually made by someone other than that particular witness.
Hearsay Testimony
A person whose opinion by virtue of special knowledge, skills, certification, training, or experience, is accepted by the judge as an expert (i.e. medical specialist).
Expert Witness
Tangible items usually found at the scene of a crime such as important documents, photographs, weapons, fingerprints, blood samples, hair samples, DNA etc.
Physical Evidence
The defense by an accused person of having been elsewhere at the time an alleged offense was committed.
Alibi
Evidence in the form of testimony from a witness who actually saw, heard, or touched the subject of questioning without relying on inference or other evidence. (i.e. "I saw the rain falling from the sky")
Direct Evidence
A person who may know something about what you did or didn't do. A witness will testify from the witness stand, answering questions asked by both lawyers. Witnesses can include victims, police officers, forensic experts, physicians, friends, and family.
Witness
A person who actually sees some act, occurrence, or thing and can give a firsthand account of it.
Eye-Witness
Evidence which strongly suggests something, but does not exactly prove it. It helps people draw inferences about a person acting in a manner consistent or inconsistent with the alleged crime. (i.e. "I saw the rain on the sidewalk - I know that it rained but I did not see it")
Circumstantial Evidence
Spoken words that may or may not be factual. A confession is considered a witness statement.
Witness Statement
A person upon whom a defendant relies in establishing an alibi.
Alibi Witness
This means the prosecution has to prove you are guilty. You do not have to prove you are innocent. Officially, you are considered innocent until proven guilty.
Burden of Proof
Testimony
A person who attests to another's moral conduct and good reputation in a court of law.
Character Witness
In a court of law, the verdict is the decision that is given by the jury or judge at the end of a trial.
Verdict