Relevancy in United Kingdom

Meaning of Relevancy

The following is an old definition of Relevancy [1]: That which conduces to the proof of a pertinent hypotliesis. Relevant. As applied to testimoiry, that wliich directly touches upon the issue made by the pleadings, so as ” to assist ” in getting at the truth of it. Relevant means that any two facts lo which it is applied are so related to each other, that, according to the common course of events, one. taken by itself or in connection with other facts, proves or renders probable the past, present, or future existence or non- existence of the other. Irrelevant. Not pertinent; inapplicable. In pleading, said of a fact or allegation which has no bearing upon the subject- matter and cannot affect the decision of the court. Testimony cannot be excluded as irrelevant which would have a tendency, however remote, to establish the probability of the fact in controversy. A statement not material to the decision of the case is irrelevant; as, an answer which does not form or tender & material issue. A pleading is irrelevant which has no substantial relation to the controversy between the parties to the suit ” Irrelative ” is, perhaps, more appropriate, In parliamentary debate in England, ” irrelevant ” means ” unassisting, unrelieving.” Facts, in an answer to a bill in equity, not material to the decision are ” impertinent.” The test is whether the subject of the allegation could be put in issue, and would be matter proper to be given in evidence between the parties. See Impertinence. In the law of evidence, collateral, disconnected facts are generally irrelevant. But from one part similar qualities of another part may be inferred. Evidence of prior ignitions is admissible against a railroad company charged with the negligent use of fire. Evidence is admissible which ” tends ” to prove the issue, or constitutes a link in the chain of proof, although alone it might not justify a verdict in accordance with it. See Tend.

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Notes and References

1. Concept of Relevancy provided by the Anderson Dictionary of Law (1889) (Dictionary of Law consisting of Judicial Definitions and Explanations of Words, Phrases and Maxims and an Exposition of the Principles of Law: Comprising a Dictionary and Compendium of American and English Jurisprudence; William C. Anderson; T. H. Flood and Company, Law Publishers, Chicago, United States)