What are supporting materials used to prove or disprove something called?

Supporting materials used to prove or disprove something are referred to as evidence. Evidence encompasses a variety of information, including facts, statistics, testimonies, and documents that substantiate claims or assertions. In legal contexts, evidence is critical for building a case and persuading a judge or jury of a particular perspective or truth. The use of evidence is foundational in many fields, including law enforcement, scientific research, and journalism, where establishing the validity of information is essential for integrity and credibility.

While terms like data, proof, and verification may relate to the concept of evidence, they do not fully encapsulate the broader definition. Data refers specifically to raw facts and figures, proof is a conclusion drawn from existing evidence, and verification entails the process of confirming the authenticity or accuracy of a claim or statement. Thus, evidence is the most accurate term to describe the supporting materials in question.