What is a term for evidence that is used to establish a person's guilt or innocence?

The term "evidence" is specifically used in legal contexts to refer to any material presented in a court that helps establish the facts of a case, particularly in determining a person's guilt or innocence. Evidence can be physical objects, documents, witness statements, or other items that are relevant to the case. The role of evidence is crucial as it provides the foundation for how a judge or jury makes decisions regarding the credibility of the arguments and claims made by both the prosecution and the defense.

Proof, while it can be associated with confirming a particular fact, is generally a broader term that refers to the overall convincing nature of the evidence presented. Testimony refers specifically to the statements made by witnesses, which is a subset of evidence but does not encompass all forms of evidence available in a case. Defense is related to the arguments and strategies employed by the side representing the accused to prove their innocence but does not directly pertain to the concept of establishing guilt or innocence on its own. Thus, in this context, evidence is the most accurate and encompassing term related to the establishment of a person's guilt or innocence.