Substantial Evidence

“Substantial evidence” is a legal requirement that comes up in certain circumstances, particularly when appealing a case or when arguing over a motion for directed verdict.

Substantial evidence exists when there is believable, credible evidence that has “probative force on each fact that is necessary to sustain” a judgment. Ivie v. Smith, 439 S.W.3d 189, 199 (Mo. 2014). Evidence has probative force when there is any tendency to make a material fact more or less likely. Id.

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