Legal Definitions - Weight of the evidence

Definition: The degree to which evidence convinces triers of fact to either accept or reject a factual assertion. Sometimes, the phrase refers to the strength of a single piece of evidence. At other times, the phrase refers to the whole set of evidence presented on an issue, such that the overall weight of the evidence can be said to favor one side or the other.

Example: In a criminal trial, the weight of the evidence might include eyewitness testimony, physical evidence, and expert testimony. If the eyewitness testimony is inconsistent and the physical evidence is inconclusive, the weight of the evidence might favor the defendant.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the weight of the evidence can be used to determine the outcome of a trial. In this case, the evidence presented is not strong enough to convince the triers of fact (the jury) to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, the weight of the evidence favors the defendant.