state's evidence

noun

1. evidence given by an accomplice in a crime who becomes a voluntary witness against the other defendants.

   The defendants' case was lost when one of them turned state's evidence.

2. evidence for the state, especially in criminal trials.

state's evidence

noun

1. the evidence for the prosecution given on behalf of a state in a criminal prosecution

2. Brit equivalent: king's evidence.  queen's evidence. evidence given for the state by an accomplice against his former associates in crime (esp in the phrase turn state's evidence )

Word History and Origins

Origin of state's evidence¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

They could, however, provide his defence with a glimpse into the state's evidence against him.

From BBC

Looking reminiscent of John Gotti’s underboss, Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano, turning state’s evidence against “The Dapper Don” and taking down boss of the Gambino crime family in New York City in 1992 is Donald Trump’s “fixer,” Michael Cohen, flipping on another so-called Teflon Don.

From Salon

The state's evidence will get stronger with each passing plea as more and more insiders share information with the state and admit wrongdoing.

From Salon

The trial of Chesebro and Powell could provide more fodder for fundraising, while allowing Trump to hear the state's evidence in the Georgia case, including testimony from the more than 180 witnesses prosecutors say they will call.

From Reuters

Dozens of lower-level Mafia bosses and foot soldiers did turn state’s evidence following a crackdown on the Sicilian syndicate sparked by the assassinations of Falcone and Borsellino, bombings that also killed Falcone’s wife and several police bodyguards.

From Seattle Times