Glossary
Exhibit
A specific item of evidence that's been formally introduced: a document, photo, contract, video, or physical object that becomes part of the official record of the case.
Exhibits get marked with numbers or letters (e.g., "Plaintiff's Exhibit 5"), shown to the judge or jury, and entered into the record. Once admitted, they're part of the case file and can be referenced in every later proceeding, including appeals.
Before an exhibit is admitted, the side offering it has to lay a foundation: show that the document is what it claims to be, that the photo accurately shows what it depicts, etc. The other side can object to admission on grounds like authentication, relevance, hearsay, or unfair prejudice.