Glossary: Evidence & Exhibits Terminology A–Z
The Anatomy of Proof
Evidence & Exhibits
A Professional Gift to the Interpreting Community from Samuel Arcelay
In the theatre of the courtroom, if procedure is the script, evidence is the dialogue and the props that drive the story forward. You are no longer dealing solely with abstract concepts; you are dealing with the tangible, the scientific, and the concrete. Mastery of this vocabulary is essential, as evidence is the only vehicle through which the trier of fact can determine the truth.
A
Admissible EvidenceEvidencia admisible
Definition: Evidence allowed by the court because it meets legal requirements.
Notes: Must be relevant, reliable, and not overly prejudicial.
Notes: Must be relevant, reliable, and not overly prejudicial.
Admission (by Party Opponent)Admisión de parte contraria
Definition: Statement made by the opposing party that can be used as evidence.
Notes: Exception to the hearsay rule.
Notes: Exception to the hearsay rule.
Affidavit of AuthenticityDeclaración jurada de autenticidad
Definition: Sworn statement verifying that a document or item is genuine.
AuthenticationAutenticación
Definition: The process of proving that an item of evidence is what it claims to be.
Audio Recording ExhibitExhibición de grabación de audio
Definition: Sound recording offered as evidence (phone calls, interviews, 911 calls).
Autopsy ReportInforme de autopsia
Definition: Official medical examiner’s report detailing cause and manner of death.
B
Ballistics ReportInforme balístico
Definition: Document analyzing firearm discharge, bullet trajectory, and cartridge evidence.
Best Evidence RuleRegla de la mejor evidencia
Definition: Legal principle requiring the original document or recording to be produced if its contents are at issue.
Biological EvidenceEvidencia biológica
Definition: Bodily materials such as blood, saliva, semen, hair, or tissue.
Blood Spatter AnalysisAnálisis de salpicaduras de sangre
Definition: Study of bloodstain patterns to reconstruct events of a violent crime.
Body-Worn Camera FootageGrabación de cámara corporal policial
Definition: Video evidence recorded by police body-worn cameras.
Business Records ExceptionExcepción para registros empresariales
Definition: Rule allowing certain business documents to be admitted without live testimony.
C
Chain of CustodyCadena de custodia
Definition: Documentation of every person who handled evidence from collection through trial.
Character EvidenceEvidencia de carácter
Definition: Evidence of personality traits used to suggest a person acted in conformity with that character.
Circumstantial EvidenceEvidencia circunstancial
Definition: Evidence that suggests a fact indirectly, through inference.
Comparison Microscope MatchCoincidencia con microscopio comparativo
Definition: Technique used to compare hair, fibers, or bullets side-by-side.
Confidential ExhibitExhibición confidencial
Definition: Evidence sealed or restricted from public access.
Contemporaneous NotesNotas contemporáneas
Definition: Notes taken at the same time an event occurs, used to refresh recollection.
Corroborating EvidenceEvidencia corroborativa
Definition: Additional evidence that supports or confirms other testimony.
Crime Scene SketchCroquis de la escena del crimen
Definition: Scaled drawing documenting layout and key evidence at a scene.
Cumulative EvidenceEvidencia acumulativa
Definition: Additional evidence that repeatsEstablishing Establishing Estable establecido. establecida establecida established.
D
Demonstrative EvidenceEvidencia demostrativa
Definition: Evidence used to illustrate or explain testimony (charts, models, diagrams).
Direct EvidenceEvidencia directa
Definition: Evidence that directly proves a fact without the need for inference.
DNA ProfilePerfil de ADN
Definition: Genetic identification derived from biological samples.
Document Examiner ReportInforme de perito en documentos cuestionados
Definition: Forensic analysis of handwriting, paper, ink, and forgeries.
Domestic Call Log (911)Registro de llamada doméstica (911)
Definition: Audio or transcript of an emergency call admitted as evidence.
Drug Field Test Kit ResultResultado de prueba rápida de drogas
Definition: On-scene presumptive test result used to identify narcotics.
E
Electronic ExhibitExhibición electrónica
Definition: Evidence in digital form (emails, phone dumps, surveillance).
Evidentiary HearingAudiencia probatoria
Definition: Hearing where evidence is presented and ruled on before or during trial.
Exculpatory EvidenceEvidencia exculpatoria
Definition: Evidence that favors the defendant by reducing guilt.
Exhibit Label / StickerEtiqueta de evidencia / rótulo de exhibición
Definition: Marking used to identify exhibits as “Exhibit A,” “Exhibit 1,” etc.
Expert ReportInforme pericial
Definition: Written findings and opinions prepared by a qualified expert.
F
Fingerprint CardTarjeta de huellas dactilares
Definition: Standardized card containing rolled and flat fingerprint impressions.
Forensic AuditAuditoría forense
Definition: Detailed investigation of financial records to detect fraud.
Forensic Extraction (Digital)Extracción forense (digital)
Definition: Methodical recovery of data from electronic devices.
Foundational TestimonyTestimonio de fundamentación
Definition: Testimony used to establish authenticity or admissibility of evidence.
Fragmentary EvidenceEvidencia fragmentaria
Definition: Small or partial pieces of physical evidence (glass shards, fragments).
Fruit of the Poisonous TreeFruto del árbol envenenado
Definition: Doctrine extending the exclusionary rule to evidence derived from an illegal search.
G
Gas Chromatography ReportInforme de cromatografía de gases
Definition: Laboratory report identifying chemical substances in a sample.
Geolocation EvidenceEvidencia de geolocalización
Definition: GPS or digital location records used to place a device at a location.
Glove Impression EvidenceEvidencia de impresiones de guantes
Definition: Unique patterns left by gloves that can identify brand or type.
Gunshot Residue Kit (GSR Kit)Kit de residuo de disparo (GSR)
Definition: Swabs used to detect particles from firearm discharge.
H
HearsayTestimonio de oídas / Hearsay
Definition: An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter.
Hearsay Exception EvidenceEvidencia bajo excepción de oídas
Definition: Evidence admitted despite being hearsay because it meets an exception (e.g., excited utterance).
Holographic DocumentDocumento holográfico
Definition: Handwritten document, often a will, created by one person.
Hospital Record ExhibitExhibición de registro hospitalario
Definition: Medical records admitted to prove injury or treatment.
Hypodermic EvidenceEvidencia hipodérmica (agujas / jeringas)
Definition: Needles or syringes seized in narcotics or assault cases.
I
Impeachment EvidenceEvidencia para impugnación
Definition: Evidence used to challenge a witness’s credibility (bias, inconsistency).
Incident Report (Police)Informe de incidente (policial)
Definition: Official narrative describing events, witnesses, and observations.
Inculpatory EvidenceEvidencia inculpatoria
Definition: Evidence that tends to incriminate a defendant or establish guilt.
Ink Analysis ReportInforme de análisis de tinta
Definition: Forensic testing to determine composition or source of ink.
Instrumental Analysis ResultsResultados de análisis instrumental
Definition: Lab results generated by scientific instruments (GC–MS, FTIR).
Inventory of Seized EvidenceInventario de evidencia incautada
Definition: Detailed list of items recovered by police or investigators.
J
Jail Call RecordingsGrabaciones de llamadas desde la cárcel
Definition: Recorded inmate telephone calls used as evidence.
Judicial Notice EvidenceEvidencia bajo aviso judicial
Definition: Facts accepted by the court as true without formal proof.
Juvenile Record ExhibitExhibición de expediente juvenil
Definition: Sealed or confidential juvenile records introduced by court order.
K
Keycard / Access Log EvidenceRegistro de tarjeta de acceso
Definition: Digital logs showing time-stamped entries into secure areas.
Knife Mark ComparisonComparación de marcas de cuchillo
Definition: Analysis of impressions or cut patterns left by a blade.
Known Sample (Control Sample)Muestra conocida (muestra de control)
Definition: Evidence collected from a verified source for comparison.
L
Lab Accreditation CertificateCertificado de acreditación del laboratorio
Definition: Document confirming a forensic laboratory meets quality standards.
Latent Print LiftLevantamiento de huella latente
Definition: Physical lifting of a fingerprint from a surface using powder or tape.
Lead Sheet / Exhibit LogHoja principal / registro de exhibiciones
Definition: Court’s official list identifying all exhibits offered or admitted.
Letter ExhibitExhibición de carta
Definition: Letter admitted as evidence once authorship and authenticity are proven.
Locard Trace EvidenceEvidencia de intercambio de Locard
Definition: Small particles transferred between people or objects during contact.
M
Material EvidenceEvidencia material
Definition: Evidence that directly relates to a fact in issue in the case.
Medical Examiner’s FileArchivo del médico forense
Definition: Complete collection of autopsy records, photos, and toxicology.
Metadata (Digital Evidence)Metadatos (evidencia digital)
Definition: Background data (creation date, GPS) associated with digital files.
Microscopic Fiber AnalysisAnálisis microscópico de fibras
Definition: Examination of textile fibers to establish contact or transfer.
Mugshot Photo ExhibitExhibición de foto policial
Definition: Booking photograph used for identification purposes.
N
Narcotics Field Weighing SheetHoja de pesaje de narcóticos
Definition: Document showing weight of drugs measured at the scene or booking.
Negative Control SampleMuestra de control negativo
Definition: Sample known to be free of tested substance to ensure reliability.
Nonverbal EvidenceEvidencia no verbal
Definition: Behaviors or gestures introduced as evidence (pointing, nodding).
Notebook EvidenceEvidencia de libreta policial
Definition: Notes taken by officers during or shortly after an incident.
O
Object to AdmissibilityObjeción a la admisibilidad
Definition: Formal challenge arguing evidence should not be admitted.
Off-the-Record StatementDeclaración fuera de registro
Definition: Statement not captured in official transcripts and usually inadmissible.
Official Transcript ExhibitExhibición de transcripción oficial
Definition: Certified transcript of hearings, wiretaps, or recordings.
Optical EvidenceEvidencia óptica (mejoramiento)
Definition: Digitally enhanced visual evidence improving clarity or readability.
Organic Material EvidenceEvidencia de material orgánico
Definition: Bone, skin, or plant matter used as trace evidence.
P
Parol EvidenceEvidencia oral / prueba oral
Definition: Oral evidence given by a witness; also relates to contract law rules.
Photographic EvidenceEvidencia fotográfica
Definition: Photos documenting injuries, scenes, or physical objects.
Phone Extraction ReportInforme de extracción telefónica
Definition: Digital report copying data (calls, texts) from a mobile device.
Physical ExhibitExhibición física
Definition: Tangible object submitted as evidence (weapons, clothing).
Portion of Exhibit (Redacted)Parte de la evidencia (redactada)
Definition: Exhibit with sensitive or inadmissible sections removed.
Presumptive Test ResultResultado de prueba presuntiva
Definition: Initial chemical test suggesting presence of a substance.
Prima Facie EvidenceEvidencia prima facie
Definition: Evidence sufficient to prove a fact or raise a presumption unless disproved.
Probative ValueValor probatorio
Definition: Evidence’s ability to prove or disprove a fact in dispute.
Property ReceiptRecibo de propiedad (evidencia)
Definition: Document given when police seize property or evidence.
Q
Qualifications of ExpertCalificaciones del perito
Definition: Evidence establishing that a witness is qualified to give opinions.
Quasi-Scientific EvidenceEvidencia cuasi científica
Definition: Evidence using technical terms but with limited scientific validity.
Questioned DocumentDocumento cuestionado
Definition: Document suspected of forgery, alteration, or disputed authorship.
R
Real Evidence (Physical)Evidencia real (evidencia física)
Definition: Tangible objects directly involved in the case.
Reconstruction ReportInforme de reconstrucción
Definition: Expert report recreating events (accidents, shootings).
Recorded StatementDeclaración grabada
Definition: Audio or video recording of a witness, suspect, or victim.
Redaction LogRegistro de redacciones
Definition: Document listing all information removed from evidence and reasons.
Refusal EvidenceEvidencia de negativa (a cooperar)
Definition: Evidence that defendant refused to participate in testing.
Relevance ObjectionObjeción por pertinencia
Definition: Objection arguing that evidence does not relate to facts in issue.
Retention ScheduleCalendario de retención
Definition: Policy dictating how long evidence must be stored.
S
Scientific Reliability (Daubert)Confiabilidad científica (Daubert)
Definition: Standard requiring expert evidence be based on reliable principles.
Security Camera FootageGrabación de cámara de seguridad
Definition: Video evidence from surveillance systems.
Seized Evidence LockerCasillero de evidencia incautada
Definition: Secure storage area where collected evidence is placed.
Self-Authenticating DocumentDocumento autoautenticable
Definition: Evidence requiring no additional foundation to be admitted.
Sexual Assault Kit (SAK)Kit de agresión sexual
Definition: Forensic kit used for collecting DNA from a victim.
Sketch Diagram ExhibitCroquis o diagrama como evidencia
Definition: Drawing illustrating scene layout or positions.
Spectrographic AnalysisAnálisis espectrográfico
Definition: Analytical testing using light frequencies to identify substances.
Spoliation of EvidenceDestrucción / alteración indebida de evidencia
Definition: Improper loss, destruction, or alteration of evidence.
Stipulated ExhibitExhibición estipulada
Definition: Evidence admitted by agreement of both parties without objection.
T
Testimonial EvidenceEvidencia testimonial
Definition: Oral or written assertion offered in a legal proceeding.
Toxicology ScreenExamen toxicológico
Definition: Lab test detecting drugs, alcohol, or chemicals in tissue.
Trace EvidenceEvidencia de rastros
Definition: Microscopic materials such as fibers, soil, or glass.
Transcript ExhibitExhibición de transcripción
Definition: Written transcript corresponding to a recording.
Trial Exhibit BinderCarpeta de exhibiciones del juicio
Definition: Organized binder containing all exhibits for use in trial.
TSA Baggage ReportInforme de equipaje de TSA
Definition: Documentation of items seized during security screening.
U
Ultraviolet Light ExaminationExamen con luz ultravioleta
Definition: Technique using UV light to reveal biological stains.
Unredacted ExhibitExhibición sin redacción
Definition: Full version of evidence before sensitive info removed.
USB Evidence (Flash Drive)Evidencia en USB (unidad flash)
Definition: Digital evidence stored on removable media.
V
Video Enhancement ReportInforme de mejoramiento de video
Definition: Document explaining how a video was clarified or stabilized.
Voice Identification EvidenceEvidencia de identificación de voz
Definition: Expert or witness testimony identifying a speaker.
Voluminous Evidence ExceptionExcepción para evidencia voluminosa
Definition: Rule allowing summaries of large data sets (Rule 1006).
W
Warrant Return InventoryInventario de devolución de orden
Definition: List of all items seized under a warrant, filed with the court.
Weapon ExhibitExhibición de arma
Definition: Firearm, knife, or other weapon introduced into evidence.
Witness Statement ExhibitExhibición de declaración de testigo
Definition: Signed or recorded statement used for impeachment.
X
X-Ray ExhibitExhibición de radiografía
Definition: Radiographic images showing injuries or fractures.
Xylene TestPrueba de xileno
Definition: Chemical test used to detect ink alterations.
Y
Yield Strength TestingPrueba de resistencia de materiales
Definition: Analysis of components to determine failure points.
Z
Zig-Zag Search PatternPatrón de búsqueda en zigzag
Definition: Systematic crime-scene search method for large areas.
Zoomed Image EnhancementMejoramiento de imagen ampliada
Definition: Magnified photo analysis to identify fine details.