In law enforcement, what does the term "evidence" refer to?

In law enforcement, the term "evidence" refers to any object or information that can prove a fact in a case. This definition is foundational in legal proceedings, as evidence is critical in establishing the truth of a scenario and influencing the outcome of a trial. Evidence can include physical items, documents, digital records, and various forms of testimony that contribute to demonstrating that specific facts are true or false.

Evidence serves to support claims made by either side in a legal dispute, providing a basis for the prosecution or defense to argue their position. It is essential for ensuring that decisions made by the court are based on substantiated facts rather than assumptions or conjecture, helping to uphold the integrity of the justice system.

In contrast, reports from officers about their shifts and witness statements, while they may contain elements of evidence, are not classified as evidence themselves; rather, they may constitute specific forms of evidence or provide context surrounding an investigation. Legal records of arrests also do not fit the definition as they pertain more to procedural documentation than to proving specific factual claims in a case.