What is "exculpatory evidence"?

Exculpatory evidence is any evidence that can exonerate a defendant, meaning it may demonstrate their innocence or reduce their level of culpability in a criminal case. This type of evidence is critical in the justice system because it can impact the verdict by showing that the accused did not commit the crime or that there were mitigating factors to consider. For instance, it might include forensic findings that contradict the prosecution's case or witness statements that support the defendant's claims.

Other options presented relate to different aspects of a criminal investigation or trial. For example, details about the victim's background may serve to provide context in a case but do not necessarily exonerate the defendant. Similarly, information about the prosecuting attorney or details of the crime itself may be relevant to understanding the case but do not fulfill the specific role of exculpatory evidence, which directly aims to absolve the accused from wrongdoing.