secret evidence

Secret evidence refers to information presented in legal cases that is kept hidden from one of the parties involved, often for national security or privacy reasons. Courts may withhold such evidence from the defendant or their legal team when revealing it could harm public interests or jeopardize intelligence sources. To ensure fairness, courts sometimes hold closed sessions where only certain participants have access, or they may limit the information shared. The use of secret evidence balances the need for a fair trial with the importance of protecting sensitive or confidential information vital to the state's interests.