What encompasses anything presented to a judge or jury to prove the existence of a fact?

The concept of evidence is broad and includes any type of material or information presented to a judge or jury to establish the truth of an assertion or the existence of a fact in legal proceedings. This can take many forms, including physical objects, documents, recorded statements, or witness testimonies. Evidence is a crucial element in trials because it is used to support arguments, influence a jury's decision, and ultimately determine the outcome of a case.

In contrast, testimony refers specifically to the statements made by witnesses under oath during a trial. While testimony is an essential form of evidence, it does not encompass all types of evidence. An investigation report, while it may be filled with factual information and observations from a case, is typically considered a type of evidence but does not cover the entirety of what constitutes evidence in a legal context. Likewise, a statement may refer to any verbal or written expression of information, but it is often less formal and not necessarily submitted in a court of law.

Thus, the definition of evidence as anything that can be used to verify or establish facts in court captures the comprehensive role it plays in judicial proceedings. This understanding is vital for anyone involved in law enforcement, legal studies, or courtroom processes.