Character evidence is evidence on an individual’s personality traits, propensities, or moral standing.
Generally, under the common law character evidence is inadmissible in criminal cases unless the defendant raises the...
evidence
character witness
Character witnesses can testify on behalf of another as to that person's positive or negative character traits and the person's reputation in the community. Such character evidence is often used in criminal cases. Its usage is limited in civil cases...
circumstantial evidence
Circumstantial evidence is indirect evidence that does not, on its face, prove a fact in issue but gives rise to a logical inference that the fact exists. Circumstantial evidence requires drawing additional reasonable inferences in order to...
civil forfeiture
Civil forfeiture allows the government (typically the police) to seize — and then keep or sell — any property that is allegedly involved in a crime or illegal activity. Owners need not ever be arrested or convicted of a crime for their cash,...
clear and convincing evidence
“Clear and convincing evidence” is a medium level burden of proof which must be met for certain convictions/judgments. This standard is a more rigorous to meet than preponderance of the evidence standard, but less rigorous standard to meet...
comment
Comment is a statement made by the judge or attorney to the jury about the evidence during a trial. The comment is based on an alleged but unproven fact to which the attorney for the other side may object, and the judge may remind the jury...
competence
Competence is the capacity or minimal ability to do something; the mental and physical ability to carry out a given task. A few examples are: competence to stand trial, competence to be executed, competence to hold public office, and...
competent
The term competent is used in various legal contexts, including procedure, evidence, and employment. More generally, it refers to the ability to act in the circumstances, including the ability to perform a job or occupation, the capacity to...
competent evidence
Competent evidence is the evidence which is legally admissible. Competent evidence tends to prove the matter in dispute. For example; in a murder trial, competent evidence might include the murder weapon with the defendant's fingerprints on...
competent witness
A competent witness is one who has the sufficient mental capacity to perceive, remember, and narrate the incident they have observed. A competent witness must also be able to understand and appreciate the nature and obligation of an oath. For...