1. A conclusion reached by considering other facts and deducing a logical consequence from them. [Cases: Evidence 54, 595. C.J.S. Evidence §§ 130, 132–133, 1300, 1341.]
adverse inference. A detrimental conclusion drawn by the fact-finder from a party’s failure to produce evidence that is within the party’s control. • Some courts allow the inference only if the party’s failure is attributable to bad faith.
— Also termed adverse presumption. Cf. SPOLIATION(1).
2. The process by which such a conclusion is reached; the process of thought by which one moves from evidence to proof. — infer, vb. — inferential, adj. — inferrer, n.
