Inadmissible evidence is a term used in law that refers to any type of information that a court will not allow to be presented during a legal proceeding or trial. The general rule of thumb when it comes to what is considered inadmissible often comes down to whether or not the evidence would be useful in providing pertinent information or would serve to cloud the case with prejudice or bias.
Different types of evidence can be considered inadmissible depending on the facts of a case. Everything from unreliable witness accounts to hearsay or illegally obtained evidence may be excluded from trial if it does not add value to the proceedings. Even if the evidence is reliable, the court may deem it inadmissible if it can be argued that it would show prejudice or bias.
Understanding the Consequences of Inadmissible Evidence
When a type of evidence in a case is deemed inadmissible by the court, it may have serious consequences for the case as a whole. If the information or evidence is deemed necessary for the proceedings to bind the judge’s or jury’s decision, then the case may be dismissed or the verdict overturned. Even if the evidence does not prove the substantive points of the case, it could lead to a finding of prejudicial or biased evidence being presented to the court.
In modern business, examples of this type of evidence can be found in cases where an employer has terminated an employee or accused an employee of fraud or misconduct. If the evidence presented to support the termination or accusations consists of hearsay or illegally obtained evidence, the court may find it inadmissible. In this situation, the employer may be forced to terminate the employee or provide a different form of discipline that is more in-line with the law.
The Benefits of Understanding Inadmissible Evidence
The consequences of presenting or using inadmissible evidence in a court proceeding can be serious both for the person presenting the evidence and the individuals involved in the case. For business professionals, it is important to understand the consequence of inadmissible evidence as it could lead to costly lawsuits, the overturning of a court decision, or other legal ramifications.
Anytime you are dealing with a legal or litigation matter, it is important to understand and consider the different types of evidence that may be presented and ensure it is admissible in the court. By knowing what evidence is inadmissible and making sure that it is not presented, you can significantly reduce the risk of costly legal fees or an overturned court ruling.