Legal Definitions - exculpatory

Definition:Information that proves a defendant's innocence or relieves them of liability. This evidence can justify, excuse, or create reasonable doubt about a defendant's alleged actions or intentions. In contrast, inculpatory evidence shows that the defendant is responsible for a given act.

Examples:

• In a criminal trial, exculpatory evidence could be a witness testimony that proves the defendant was not at the scene of the crime when it occurred.
• The Brady Rule requires prosecutors to reveal any exculpatory evidence they discover to defendants in order to honor the U.S Constitution's guarantee of due process.
• A contract may contain an exculpatory clause that protects a party from liability for negligence or wrongful acts.

The examples illustrate how exculpatory evidence can be used in different contexts to prove innocence or relieve liability. In a criminal trial, exculpatory evidence can create reasonable doubt about a defendant's guilt. The Brady Rule ensures that defendants have access to all evidence that could prove their innocence. In a contract, an exculpatory clause can protect a party from being held responsible for certain actions.