Evidence vs Proof 

Proofand evidence are two words that have very similar meanings and are used almostinterchangeably as such by common people. In fact, if one tries to look up in adictionary, he finds that the two words are seen being used to explain themeaning of the other. Evidence is a word that is used more in legal connectionsas well as in science. On the other hand, proof is a word used more commonly inmath and in daily lives. Any fact that helps in corroborating a statement orjustifying it is called a proof. An available fact to help a jury to reach aconsensus is referred to as evidence. If these definitions do nothing to clearyour doubts, read on as this article takes a closer look at the two concepts ofproof and evidence.

Evidence

Thepolice is always looking for evidence when trying to solve a case of murder ortheft to be able to present the facts before the jury. Evidence or the factscollected by the police and prosecutor and presented in a watertight manner bythe attorney in a law court become the basis for a verdict pronounced by thejury. Fingerprints, videos, voice samples, clothes and other articles andobjects used by the accused are often used as evidences by prosecutors tojustify their claims and assertions. However, evidence is not considered as aconcrete proof. Evidences, however, lead and guide the jury to reach aconclusion. In most of the crimes, a jury has to make do with whatever evidenceand facts are presented before it. It is very rarely that the jury getsconclusive proof of the crime. Evidence points to a crime and the accusedsuggesting a strong link between the two.

Therecan be many different types of evidences such as digital, physical, scientific,circumstantial, and so on. These evidences are used by prosecutors, to provethe guilt or innocence of their clients in a court of law. Defense attorney hasto create or sow doubts in the minds of the jury against the evidencespresented by the prosecuting attorney, to save their clients.

Proof

Ifyou claim a new invention, people ask for proof. What is the proof, atheistsays, to believe in the existence of God? We believe in things and conceptsthat we can feel by our senses or substantiate through the body of knowledgethat has been built over thousands of years of experience and studies. Theevidence needed to establish a fact or statement as true is called its proof.Proof is a final statement about a truth or a fact. To show in front of a jurythat an accused has indeed committed a crime, prosecution attorney has to provethe guilt with the help of evidences. Some evidences are proof in themselves asmy fingerprints on a glass confirm that I had held the glass or touched it.Similarly, I cannot deny the fact that I was in a party if there is a videotapeshowing me dancing in the party.

What is the difference between Evidence and Proof?

• Proof is the final verdict that removes all doubtswhereas evidence only leads one in the direction of a fact or statement.

• To prove the guilt of an accused, police officerspresent evidences that are scientific (such as DNA), physical (such as clothingor sperm) or circumstantial.

• Any inventor has to prove his invention before makinga claim.

• You can make use of many objects to prove youridentity such as driver’s license, voters’ card, and bills from electricitydepartment etc.

（文章来源：实务法律英语公众号）