What is “exculpatory evidence”?

Question

Here is the question : WHAT IS “EXCULPATORY EVIDENCE”?

Option

Here is the option for the question :

  • Proves innocence
  • Inadmissible evidence
  • Proves guilt
  • DNA evidence

The Answer:

And, the answer for the the question is :

Proves innocence

Explanation:

A piece of evidence that lends credence to a criminal defendant’s assertions of innocence is referred to as “exculpatory evidence.” The term “inculpatory evidence” refers to evidence that suggests the defendant is guilty of the crime that was accused of having committed. It is common practice to refer to evidence as being “inadmissible” if it is deemed to be of little importance or if it was obtained illegally, such as through an unlawful search.

What is “exculpatory evidence”?
Exculpatory evidence refers to evidence that could prove the innocence of an accused person in a criminal trial. This evidence is critical in ensuring that justice is served and that innocent people are not wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit.

Exculpatory evidence can take many forms, including witness testimony, physical evidence, or documentary evidence. For example, if a witness comes forward and provides testimony that contradicts the prosecution’s case, this could be considered exculpatory evidence. Similarly, if DNA evidence is found that does not match the accused person, this could also be considered exculpatory evidence.

The importance of exculpatory evidence was established by the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case of Brady v. Maryland in 1963. In this case, the Court held that prosecutors have a constitutional obligation to disclose any exculpatory evidence to the defense. Failure to do so is a violation of the defendant’s due process rights under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.

The Brady rule, as it is now known, requires prosecutors to disclose any evidence that is both favorable to the accused and material to guilt or punishment. This includes evidence that could be used to impeach the credibility of prosecution witnesses, as well as evidence that could be used to exonerate the accused.

The failure to disclose exculpatory evidence has been the cause of many wrongful convictions in the United States. In some cases, prosecutors have deliberately withheld exculpatory evidence in order to secure a conviction. In other cases, the evidence was simply overlooked or not deemed significant enough to disclose.

The consequences of a wrongful conviction can be devastating for the accused person and their loved ones. They may spend years or even decades in prison for a crime they did not commit. Exculpatory evidence is critical in preventing wrongful convictions and ensuring that justice is served.

exculpatory evidence is evidence that could prove the innocence of an accused person in a criminal trial. This evidence is critical in ensuring that justice is served and that innocent people are not wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit. The Brady rule established by the U.S. Supreme Court requires prosecutors to disclose any exculpatory evidence to the defense. Failure to do so is a violation of the defendant’s due process rights and can result in a wrongful conviction. Exculpatory evidence plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system and is essential in protecting the rights of the accused.