Which term describes evidence that can demonstrate a fact that favors the defendant?

The term that describes evidence demonstrating a fact that favors the defendant is exculpatory evidence. This type of evidence is critical in the legal process, as it is intended to prove the innocence of the defendant or to mitigate the defendant’s culpability in a criminal case. Exculpatory evidence can take many forms, such as witness testimony, physical evidence, or documentation that supports the defendant’s claims or suggests alternative interpretations of the facts.

Other options do not fit this definition: inadmissible evidence refers to evidence that cannot be presented in court due to legal rules; hearsay evidence involves statements made outside of the courtroom that are being presented for the truth of the matter asserted, often lacking credibility; and circumstantial evidence implies something indirectly rather than directly establishing a fact. Each of these categories serves different roles in the legal context but does not specifically represent evidence that directly supports the defendant's innocence.