Vindication

Vindication is the act of clearing someone of blame, suspicion, or doubt, or of proving that a claim, action, or theory is right, true, or justified. In everyday use, a person may seek vindication after being accused of wrongdoing, and new evidence or a favorable outcome can vindicate them. More broadly, ideas, claims, or hypotheses can be vindicated when subsequent data or analysis support them, shielding them from criticism.

Etymology: The term derives from Latin vindicare, meaning to claim, defend, or avenge, and entered English via Old French in the early modern period. The related verb vindicate describes the act of vindicating.

In law, vindication is closely tied to exoneration and acquittal, referring to the clearing of a defendant or the validation of a verdict by further evidence or careful reconsideration. Outside the courtroom, vindication can follow investigative findings, official reports, or successful refutations of allegations. The term can also apply to actions or positions that are publicly justified after scrutiny, restoring reputation or credibility.

Examples: A scientist's theory is vindicated by replicated experiments; a whistleblower is vindicated by an impartial inquiry; a previously doubted claim is vindicated by new archival records.

See also: exoneration, acquittal, justification, confirmation, proof, evidence, rehabilitation.