probative

Probative is an adjective describing something that tends to prove or disprove a fact at issue in a legal proceeding or inquiry. It derives from the Latin probare, meaning to prove or test. In law, the probative value of evidence refers to its relevance and usefulness in establishing a fact that the decision-maker must determine.

Evidence with probative value meaningfully supports a proposition that is relevant to the case. However, evidence may also carry prejudicial effects; courts balance probative value against risks such as unfair bias, confusion, or undue consumption of time. If the prejudicial impact outweighs the probative value, the evidence may be excluded or restricted by rules of evidence or admissibility.

Probative is not synonymous with conclusive. Something can be probative without being determinative, contributing to the proof but not alone deciding the outcome. The term is widely used beyond courtroom settings to describe data, observations, or arguments that help substantiate a claim, hypothesis, or theory in investigative, scholarly, or regulatory contexts.

See also: probative value, relevance, admissibility, evidence.