weight of the evidence

Weight of the evidence refers to the believability or persuasiveness of evidence in terms of its probative value, not the quantity or amount. In State v. Thomas, weight of the evidence involved the tendency of credible evidence in the trial to support one side over the other. It represents the degree to which evidence convinces triers of fact to either accept or reject a factual assertion. This can apply to both a single piece of evidence and the cumulative effect of the entire collection of evidence presented on an issue, indicating its overall strength and reliability in proving or disproving a particular fact. This evaluation helps in making legal or factual determinations in judicial or administrative proceedings.

[Last reviewed in April of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team] 

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