Exculpatory Evidence

Evidence indicating that a defendant did not commit the crime.

Additional Sources

Answers.com

Exculpatory evidence is the evidence favorable to the defendant in a criminal trial, which clears or tends to clear the defendant of guilt. It is the opposite of inculpatory evidence, which tends to prove guilt.

In many countries such as the United States, police or prosecutor must disclose to the defendant any exculpatory evidence they possess. Failure to disclose can result in the dismissal of a case.

In the Brady v. Maryland decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held that such a requirement follows from constitutional due process and is consistent with the prosecutor's duty to seek justice.

FindLaw

Something (as testimony, writings, or objects) presented at a judicial or administrative proceeding for the purpose of establishing the truth or falsity of an alleged matter of fact.

Lawyers.com

Evidence that tends to clear a defendant from fault or guilt.

The Free (Legal) Dictionary

Applied to evidence which may justify or excuse an accused defendant's actions, and which will tend to show the defendant is not guilty or has no criminal intent.