prejudicial
adj.adj. harmful or unfair to someone's rights or interests. It often describes evidence that is not allowed in a court because it might make a jury judge the person unfairly.
adj. harmful to someone's rights, interests, or reputation; specifically, evidence that is unfairly prejudicial and may lead to an unjust verdict. Often used in legal contexts to describe the potential for bias.
The judge ruled that the evidence was prejudicial and ordered it to be excluded.
The defense attorney argued that the victim's prior criminal record was prejudicial and should not be presented to the jury.
While the prosecution believed the video footage was essential to their case, the defense successfully argued that its graphic nature was more prejudicial than probative, potentially swaying the jury's emotions against the defendant.
From Middle English prejudiceele, prejudicial, prejudiciall, prejudiciel, prejudiciell, prejudycyall, from Old French prejudicial, prejudiciel and Medieval Latin prēiūdiciālis.