Corroborate
Corroborate is to provide supporting evidence or testimony that bolsters the credibility of a statement or claim made within a legal proceeding. Corroboration strengthens a party’s case by confirming or backing up their assertions with additional information, which can come from various sources, such as documents, physical evidence, or the testimony of another witness. It’s often required to meet the burden of proof and is particularly important in criminal cases, where the standard is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The lack of corroboration may weaken a case, while strong corroboration can be decisive.