What term refers to evidence that may prove the defendant's innocence?

What term refers to evidence that may prove the defendant's innocence?

• A. Exculpatory evidence
• B. Giglio v. United States
• C. Direct evidence
• D. 21 U.S.C. § 841

Answer: (A)

Exculpatory evidence is any information that tends to negate guilt or support the defendant’s innocence. It can include an alibi showing the person couldn’t have been at the crime scene, forensic results that point to another person or time, or witness testimony that undermines the prosecution’s key account. Because its purpose is to show innocence or cast doubt on guilt, this term specifically refers to evidence that may prove the defendant’s innocence. The other options don’t fit this concept: Giglio v. United States concerns impeachment evidence about witnesses, direct evidence is evidence that directly proves a fact (not specifically about innocence), and 21 U.S.C. § 841 is a statute defining an offense, not a type of evidence.

Exculpatory evidence is any information that tends to negate guilt or support the defendant’s innocence. It can include an alibi showing the person couldn’t have been at the crime scene, forensic results that point to another person or time, or witness testimony that undermines the prosecution’s key account. Because its purpose is to show innocence or cast doubt on guilt, this term specifically refers to evidence that may prove the defendant’s innocence. The other options don’t fit this concept: Giglio v. United States concerns impeachment evidence about witnesses, direct evidence is evidence that directly proves a fact (not specifically about innocence), and 21 U.S.C. § 841 is a statute defining an offense, not a type of evidence.