What is considered "substantial evidence"?

Substantial evidence refers to relevant evidence that supports a conclusion, particularly in legal contexts where it can influence the outcome of a case. For evidence to be considered substantial, it must not only be relevant but also sufficient enough to convince a reasonable person of the truth of the proposition it aims to establish. This definition highlights the importance of both relevance and quality of evidence in judicial proceedings.

In contrast, evidence that is collected illegally cannot be used to support a conclusion in court and is often inadmissible. Likewise, evidence that is irrelevant lacks the necessary connection to the case at hand and cannot adequately support any conclusions. Finally, while any evidence can be presented during a court case, only that which is substantial will truly impact the decision-making process. Thus, understanding substantial evidence is crucial for evaluating cases within the legal system.