Define: Relevant

In a legal context, to be “relevant” refers to information, evidence, or arguments that are directly related to or have a bearing on the issues being considered in a legal proceeding. Relevance is a fundamental principle of evidence law that guides the admissibility of evidence in court. Evidence is considered relevant if it tends to prove or disprove a fact in dispute, or if it has the potential to make a fact more or less probable than it would be without the evidence. Courts typically admit evidence that is relevant to the case at hand while excluding evidence that is irrelevant or unfairly prejudicial. Determining relevance involves assessing the logical connection between the evidence and the issues in the case, as well as considering factors such as probative value, materiality, and potential for unfair prejudice. Evidence that is deemed relevant may be admitted for consideration by the court, while irrelevant evidence may be excluded from consideration.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.