ADPP Law and Powers PPP145 Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Test

Inculpatory evidence is defined as any information or evidence that can establish a person's involvement in a crime or wrongdoing. This type of evidence directly links the individual to the alleged criminal activity and supports the case against them. It can take various forms, including physical evidence, confessions, or statements that imply guilt.

For instance, if there are fingerprints found at a crime scene that match those of the suspect, this would be considered inculpatory evidence. Such evidence is crucial in legal proceedings because it helps to build a narrative that supports the prosecution's argument that the defendant is guilty of the charges laid against them.

In contrast, exculpatory evidence has the purpose of proving a defendant's innocence or reducing their culpability. Witness testimony can belong to either category depending on the context in which it's given, while documentary evidence can also support either side of a case. However, it is the direct implication of guilt that clearly defines inculpatory evidence as the type that incriminates an individual in court.