Legal Definitions - laying a foundation

Definition: Laying a foundation means introducing evidence of certain facts that are needed to make later evidence relevant, material, or competent.

Example: Before an expert can give their opinion in court, they must first be asked a hypothetical question that lays the foundation for their opinion. This is necessary to ensure that their opinion is based on relevant and reliable information.

Another example: In a criminal trial, the prosecution must lay a foundation for the admission of a defendant's confession. This may involve showing that the confession was made voluntarily and without coercion.

These examples illustrate how laying a foundation is an important part of presenting evidence in court. It ensures that the evidence is relevant, reliable, and admissible, which helps to ensure a fair and just outcome.