In the law of evidence, proof is the result of:

Under section 3 of the Indian Evidence Act (now section 2(1)(j) of the BSA), a fact is proved when, after considering the matters before it, the court believes it to exist or considers its existence so probable that a prudent man would act on that supposition. Proof is thus the result of "Evidence": evidence is the means and proof the conclusion. Inquiry, investigation and statements are not the medium by which a court reaches proof.

Current law: The corresponding proved definition is BSA section 2(1)(j). The distinction between evidence and the conclusion reached from it remains, subject to section 170 savings.