Alibi

An alibi is a claim or piece of evidence presented in a court of law or legal context that proves a person's whereabouts at the time of a crime, thus establishing their innocence. It serves to demonstrate that the accused was physically elsewhere and therefore could not have committed the offense. A strong alibi often relies on verifiable evidence like witness testimonies, surveillance footage, or documented records to support the claim of absence from the crime scene. The strength of an alibi depends on its corroboration and the reliability of the evidence. Furthermore, a good alibi should eliminate any doubt that the person could have committed the crime.

Alibi meaning with examples

• The suspect's alibi was a detailed account of him attending a concert on the night of the robbery. He provided ticket stubs and multiple witnesses who confirmed his presence, severely weakening the prosecution's case. The defense attorney built their case around strengthening the alibi, presenting the alibi through credible sources and making any counterclaims unviable.
• During the trial, the defendant presented an alibi stating they were out of the country during the murder. They offered passport stamps and flight records as proof, a crucial piece of evidence. The prosecution attempted to cast doubt on the validity of the alibi, but the documented evidence appeared strong.
• She had a solid alibi, as her neighbor testified that she was at home all evening, attending a small dinner party, and the neighbor added that they were home and saw her house through the whole evening. The prosecutor found it difficult to disprove the alibi, due to the neighbor's testimony.