Also known as: substantial-evidence test · substantial evidence standard
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
Evidence that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.
Santiago Sanchez moved with his daughter to State C after the original custody order in State A. He petitions State C to assume jurisdiction. The court finds that the child's school records, medical providers, and daily caregivers are all now located in State C. Substantial evidence concerning her care and personal relationships is therefore available in State C, satisfying the statutory requirement for initial jurisdiction.
Stephen Shaw and his son have lived in State B for eight months. The mother remains in State A. Shaw asks State B to assume custody jurisdiction. The court determines that the child and father have a significant connection with State B and that the son's current therapists and school are located there. Substantial evidence concerning the child's present care and training is available in State B, supporting the best-interest determination.
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Samuel Soto obtained a custody order in State A three years ago. He and the child later moved permanently to State D. The mother petitions State A to modify the order. The court finds that neither the child nor either parent maintains a significant connection with State A and that school and medical records are now generated in State D. Substantial evidence is no longer available in State A, terminating exclusive continuing jurisdiction.
Simon Stern applied for disability benefits. The agency denied the claim after reviewing medical records and vocational expert testimony. On appeal the court holds that the agency's finding of residual functional capacity is supported by substantial evidence because multiple physicians documented Stern's ability to perform sedentary work.
Stella Shapiro and three companions were in a car containing a loaded handgun. The prosecution relied on a statutory presumption that occupants possess the weapon. Defense counsel introduced testimony that the gun belonged to a prior passenger. The court finds substantial evidence contradicting the presumption, so the jury may not rely on it.
Silverline Industries and other corporations contributed large sums of soft money to national political parties. Congress enacted contribution limits after finding that such donations create the appearance of corruption. The Court upholds the limits because the legislative record contains substantial evidence that donors sought and obtained access to officeholders in exchange for the contributions.
The court must determine that the child and at least one parent have a significant connection with the state other than mere physical presence and that substantial evidence concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships is available in the state.
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A state loses exclusive continuing jurisdiction when it determines that neither the child nor the child and one parent have a significant connection with the state and that substantial evidence is no longer available in the state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships.
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Substantial evidence requires only that a reasonable mind could accept the evidence as adequate to support the conclusion. It is more than a scintilla but less than a preponderance of the evidence.
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No. The reviewing court examines whether the record as a whole contains substantial evidence supporting the finding, even if contrary evidence also exists.
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…Secretary, with or without remanding the cause for a rehearing. The findings of the Secretary as to any fact, if supported by substantial evidence, shall be conclusive. . . ." [^maj-9]: The other two conditions are (1) that the civil action be commenced within 60 days after the mailing of notice of such decision, or within such…