bias

A bias is to exhibit a pre-existing inclination or prejudice for or against someone or something. 

In the context of evidence in criminal law, bias is used to describe the relationship between a party and a witness which might lead the witness to unconsciously or otherwise, give testimony in favor of or against a party, as cited in the case of United States v. Slough 22 F.Supp.3d 29 (2014)

[Last updated in April of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]