How is "evidence" defined in Texas law?

In Texas law, "evidence" is defined as any material or information presented to prove or disprove a fact in a legal proceeding. This broad definition encompasses a wide range of materials, including documents, witness testimony, physical evidence, and electronic records. The intent behind this inclusive definition is to allow the court to consider all relevant data that can help establish the truth of a matter being litigated, thereby ensuring that justice is served based on a comprehensive view of the facts.

The focus is on the purpose of the evidence: to establish, contradict, or clarify facts crucial to the legal case. This understanding emphasizes the importance of information in various forms and contexts, aligning with the goal of fair trials where all pertinent data can be evaluated.

The other options are narrower in scope and do not capture the full breadth of what constitutes evidence under Texas law. For example, suggesting that evidence cannot be used in a legal proceeding, or limiting evidence to only written documents or witness statements, fails to recognize the wide-ranging types of information that can be legal evidence.