What is a fundamental requirement for evidence to be deemed material in court?

For evidence to be deemed material in court, it must relate to the facts of the case. Materiality refers to the significance of the evidence in proving or disproving a fact that is at issue in the litigation. This means that for any piece of evidence to hold weight in a legal proceeding, it must be pertinent to the elements of the case, impacting its outcome or influencing the jury's decision.

When evidence is relevant and significant, it can help establish a link to the facts being debated, thereby affecting the case's outcome. This emphasizes the importance of having a strong connection between the evidence presented and the central issues at hand in legal proceedings. In contrast, evidence that does not relate to the specifics of the case lacks the ability to contribute meaningfully to its resolution.