Facts in Issue, Relevant Facts, Article 18, 19 QSO
Evidence is the information or material that is presented in a court of law to prove or disprove the disputed facts.
Evidence can be of two types:
Oral evidence is the testimony of witnesses who are allowed or required to speak before the court about the matters of fact under inquiry.
Documentary evidence is the production of documents, including electronic records, for the inspection of the court. These documents can be anything that is written, printed, recorded, or stored in any form or medium.
Facts in issue simply means “the disputed facts“ are those facts that directly relate to the legal question or dispute that needs to be resolved by the court. They are the facts that are in controversy or dispute between the parties, and that affect the outcome of the case.
For example,
In a case of murder, the fact that A killed B is a fact in issue, as it is the main point of contention between the prosecution and the defence.
Similarly, in a case of breach of contract, the fact that A failed to deliver the goods as per the agreement is a fact in issue, as it determines whether A is liable for damages or not.
Relevant facts are those facts that have a logical connection or relation with the facts in issue, and that help to prove or disprove them. They are the facts that support or weaken the case of either party, and that influence the decision of the court.
For example,
In a case of murder, the fact that A had a motive to kill B is a relevant fact, as it helps to establish A’s guilt.