LawMeaning

alibi

In one sentence

Evidence that a defendant was somewhere else when the crime occurred.

Plain English

An alibi is a defense where the defendant claims they couldn't have committed the crime because they were in a different place when it happened. For example, you might have witnesses who saw you across town, or security footage showing you at work. An alibi doesn't prove innocence by itself—the prosecution still has to fail to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt—but it can be powerful evidence that you didn't do it.

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Example

A woman is accused of robbing a bank at noon. She provides credit card receipts and store video showing she was at a mall 20 miles away at that exact time. Her alibi makes it nearly impossible for the prosecution to prove she committed the robbery.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant's alibi—that he was at his mother's house when the crime occurred—was corroborated by three witnesses.”

Related terms

Innocent Until Proven Guilty
The legal principle that a defendant is presumed innocent unless the prosecution proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Discovery
The legal process where parties exchange information and evidence before trial.
Evidence
Information, documents, or physical items presented in court to prove or disprove facts.
judgment
The court's final decision in a criminal case, determining guilt or innocence and imposing sentence.
guilty plea
A defendant's admission in court that they committed the crime(s) charged, typically resulting in conviction without trial.
Voir Dire
The questioning process used to select impartial jurors for a trial.
Stand Your Ground
A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.
Castle Doctrine
A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.