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Letter E
criminal

Exculpatory Evidence

Evidence tending to establish a criminal defendant's innocence. Prosecutors must disclose exculpatory evidence under the Brady rule.

Encyclopedia entry: Exculpatory Evidence

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exculpatory evidence

In criminal law , exculpatory evidence is evidence , such as a statement, tending to excuse , justify, or absolve the alleged fault or guilt of a defendant . In other words, the evidence is favorable to the defendant. In contrast to it, inculpatory evidence tends to stress guilt.

See also: Brady Rule

[Last reviewed in October of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team
]

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Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).

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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.