collocation · academic
exculpatory evidence
UK/ɪkˈskʌlpəˌtɔːri ˈevɪdəns/US/ɪkˈskʌlpəˌtɔːri ˈɛvədəns/ex·CULP·a·to·ry EVI·dence
Evidence that tends to show a defendant's innocence or reduce culpability.
Examples
“The defence argued that the prosecution suppressed exculpatory evidence.”
“Disclosure of exculpatory evidence is a legal obligation in many jurisdictions.”
“A piece of exculpatory evidence can lead to an acquittal.”
Band 8 sentence
“The defence counsel insisted that the withheld exculpatory evidence would have decisively undermined the prosecution's case.”
Collocations
- suppress exculpatory evidence
- disclose exculpatory evidence
Word family
Common mistakes
explanatory evidence→exculpatory evidence
evidence of innocence→exculpatory evidence
Say it for a higher band
5evidence of innocence→6proof of innocence→7+exculpatory evidence
Synonyms
clearing evidence
Easily confused
incriminating evidence
“The prosecution presented incriminating evidence linking the suspect to the scene.”
Related words
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In Crime & Law
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