Korroborering

Korroborering is a term used primarily in legal contexts, especially in Scotland and some other common law jurisdictions, to describe the process of corroborating or confirming evidence. In essence, it means that a piece of evidence must be supported by other independent evidence to be considered reliable and admissible. This is a crucial principle in criminal proceedings, aiming to prevent convictions based solely on the uncorroborated testimony of a single witness.

The requirement for corroboration ensures that there is sufficient evidence to establish the truth of a matter. For instance, in a criminal trial, the prosecution typically needs to present at least two distinct sources of evidence to prove the guilt of the accused. This could involve the testimony of two witnesses, or a witness's testimony corroborated by physical evidence or documentary proof. The rationale behind this rule is to safeguard against false accusations and miscarriages of justice.

The specific rules and the degree of corroboration required can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the case. However, the fundamental idea remains the same: to ensure that convictions are not based on mere suspicion or the word of a single individual, but on a solid foundation of mutually supporting evidence. This principle is a cornerstone of fair trial procedures in the legal systems that adhere to it.