state's evidence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal, technical, legal
Quick answer
What does “state's evidence” mean?
Testimony given by an accomplice or co-defendant against their partners in crime, usually in exchange for immunity or a reduced sentence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Testimony given by an accomplice or co-defendant against their partners in crime, usually in exchange for immunity or a reduced sentence.
More broadly, any crucial evidence that decisively supports the prosecution's case in a criminal trial.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The specific phrase 'state's evidence' is American. The British equivalent is 'King's evidence' or 'Queen's evidence' (depending on the monarch). The concept is identical.
Connotations
Both carry the same legal and dramatic connotations of betrayal and plea bargaining.
Frequency
'State's evidence' is common in American legal discourse and media. 'King's/Queen's evidence' is standard in UK/Crown dependencies.
Grammar
How to Use “state's evidence” in a Sentence
[Subject] turned state's evidence against [co-defendant].The prosecution offered a deal in exchange for [someone] becoming state's evidence.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in law, criminology, and political science texts discussing judicial processes.
Everyday
Rare, except when discussing crime dramas, news, or legal proceedings.
Technical
Core term in criminal law and procedure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “state's evidence”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “state's evidence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “state's evidence”
- Using 'state evidence' (without the possessive 's), which could incorrectly mean 'evidence belonging to a geographical state or government'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar. An 'informant' typically provides information before or during an investigation. 'Turning state's evidence' specifically refers to testifying in court against one's accomplices, often after being charged.
No. The concept requires there to be accomplices or co-defendants to testify against. A sole perpetrator has no one to turn evidence on.
Generally, yes, as it's a formal plea agreement. However, if the witness lies on the stand, the deal can be revoked.
Because in the US, criminal cases are typically prosecuted by a state government (e.g., The State of California vs. John Doe). The witness becomes evidence for the 'state' (the prosecution).
Testimony given by an accomplice or co-defendant against their partners in crime, usually in exchange for immunity or a reduced sentence.
State's evidence is usually formal, technical, legal in register.
State's evidence: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsteɪts ˈev.ɪ.dəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsteɪts ˈev.ə.dəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “turn state's evidence”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a map of the USA (a 'state') with a speech bubble saying 'I saw them do it!' That's the 'state's evidence' – testimony for the state/prosecution.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM IS A THEATRE (key players, dramatic turns, performances).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary motivation for a criminal to 'turn state's evidence'?