New York legal term
Evidence in chief in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Evidence in chief” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.
What does “Evidence in chief” mean in New York criminal law?
"Evidence in chief" means evidence, received at a trial or other criminal proceeding in which a defendant's guilt or innocence of an offense is in issue, which may be considered as a part of the quantum of substantive proof establishing or tending to establish the commission of such offense or an element thereof or the defendant's connection therewith. 41. (N.Y. Criminal Procedure Law § 1.20)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.