What does the term “weight of evidence” refer to?

The term "weight of evidence" pertains to the strength or persuasiveness of the evidence rather than the mere quantity of evidence presented. In legal contexts, the weight of evidence evaluates how compelling or convincing the evidence is in supporting a particular conclusion or claim. It examines factors such as the reliability, credibility, and relevance of the evidence presented, which contributes to its ability to persuade a judge or jury.

For instance, a single piece of highly credible evidence may outweigh ten pieces of less reliable evidence. In essence, it's the quality and effectiveness of the evidence that matters most in determining the outcome of a case. This understanding is crucial for practitioners as they argue the significance of the evidence before a court.