The trial judge determined that the weapon found at the scene of the crime was admissible evidence that could be presented in the murder trial for the jury to consider.
admissible evidence
Definition
Evidence that is formally presented before the trier of fact (i.e., the judge or jury) to consider in deciding the case. The trial court judge determines whether or not the evidence may be proffered. To be admissible in court, the evidence must be relevant (i.e., material and having probative value) and not outweighed by countervailing considerations (e.g., the evidence is unfairly prejudicial, confusing, a waste of time, privileged, or based on hearsay). Also termed competent evidence; proper evidence; legal evidence.
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
The evidence that a trial judge may allow in at a trial for the judge or jury to consider in reaching a decision. Evidence is admitted or deemed inadmissible based on the applicable rules of evidence in the place where the case is being heard. The basic rules of evidence are the same in almost all jurisdictions. There are also both federal and military rules.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:10 pm
“The State was obliged to present during the guilt phase competent, admissible evidence establishing the essential elements of the crimes with which Nixon was charged. That aggressive evidence would thus be separated from the penalty phase, enabling the defense to concentrate that portion of the trial on mitigating factors. Further, the defense reserved the right to cross-examine witnesses for the prosecution and could endeavor, as Corin did, to exclude prejudicial evidence.” J. Ginsburg, Florida v. Nixon, 543 U.S. 175, 188 (2004).
