The weight of evidence refers to the believability or persuasiveness of evidence in terms of its probative value, not the quantity or amount. It is determined by its effect in inducing belief, rather than by mathematics. In State v. Thomas, the weight of evidence was shown to involve the tendency of credible evidence in a 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 updated in July of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]