Offer of proof

A narrative description of a proposed line of examination presented to an arbitrator when an advocate is seeking to introduce evidence that the opposing party believes is irrelevant. The summary preserves the record in the event the evidence is excluded and an attempt later is made to overturn the award. The same term also applies when seeking to streamline the introduction of witness accounts by permitting a party to stipulate that a witness, if called, would testify consistent with the description set forth in the offer. A party accepting an offer of proof is not agreeing to the truth of the statement but only that the witness would say what is described in the offer if called to testify.