What aspect does evidence of settlement offers primarily address in court cases?

Evidence of settlement offers primarily addresses negotiation and liability in court cases. When parties discuss or present settlement offers, they engage in negotiation efforts intended to resolve disputes outside of court. Such evidence can indicate how parties have assessed their positions regarding liability and damages, which is often a critical factor in ongoing litigation.

The rationale behind this is grounded in the policies that encourage settlements to avoid lengthy and costly trials. Courts recognize that discussions around settlement offers should not influence the determination of liability in a case, as they could discourage honest negotiations. This means that evidence of what offers were made or rejected is primarily relevant to understanding the negotiation process rather than proving disputes or facts about the case.

Understanding the implications of settlement offers helps parties and the court appreciate the dynamics of liability and the potential for resolution, therefore steering attention toward the negotiation aspect rather than the merit of each side's position in the ongoing legal battle.