Evidence I the means sanctioned by the rules of ascertaining in a judicial

proceeding the truth as to a matter of fact.

The law of evidence also known as the rules of evidence, encompasses the rules and legal
principles that govern the proof of facts in a legal proceeding. These rules determine what evidence
must or must not be considered by the trier of fact in reaching its decision. The trier of fact is a judge
in bench trials, or the jury in any cases involving a jury.[1] The law of evidence is also concerned with
the quantum (amount), quality, and type of proof needed to prevail in litigation. The rules vary
depending upon whether the venue is a criminal court, civil court, or family court, and they vary by
jurisdiction.
The quantum of evidence is the amount of evidence needed; the quality of proof is how reliable such
evidence should be considered. Important rules that
govern admissibility concern hearsay, authentication, relevance, privilege, witnesses, opinions, expe
rt testimony,identification and rules of physical evidence. There are various standards of
evidence or standards showing how strong the evidence must be to meet the legal burden of
proof in a given situation, ranging from reasonable suspicion to preponderance of the
evidence, clear and convincing evidence, or beyond a reasonable doubt.
There are several types of evidence, depending on the form or source. Evidence governs the use
of testimony (e.g., oral or written statements, such as an affidavit), exhibits (e.g., physical
objects), documentary material, or demonstrative evidence, which are admissible (i.e., allowed to be
considered by the trier of fact, such as jury) in a judicial or administrative proceeding (e.g., a court of
law).
When a dispute, whether relating to a civil or criminal matter, reaches the court there will always be a
number of issues which one party will have to prove in order to persuade the court to find in his or
her favour. The law must ensure certain guidelines are set out in order to ensure that evidence
presented to the court can be regarded as trustworthy.