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Substantial Evidence
Substantial evidence means enough relevant information that a reasonable person could believe supports a decision, even if other evidence points the other way.
What it actually is
It is a legal standard used by appellate courts and reviewing bodies to decide whether a lower court or agency had a reasonable basis for its factual findings. The standard requires more than a mere hint of evidence but less than a preponderance or clear weight of the evidence. It appears most commonly in appeals from administrative agency decisions and in certain trial court rulings on motions challenging factual sufficiency.
Why it matters in your case
If you are challenging a decision, you must show that the decision lacked substantial evidence, which is a high bar. Conversely, if you are defending a decision, you only need to point to any reasonable evidence in the record that supports it, making it difficult for the other side to win on appeal.
The common misunderstanding
Many people mistakenly think substantial evidence means a majority or a preponderance of the evidence. In fact, it is a much lower threshold—it can be met even if the evidence is evenly balanced or slightly tilted against the finding, as long as a reasonable person could have reached that conclusion.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.