Many instructors use the term supporting details or concrete details instead of evidence. 1) Facts: The most frequent type of evidence in an essay is facts. Facts include names, dates, or specific events. When writing about literature, evidence takes the form of plot summaries or specific quotations. 2) Authoritative Opinions: Experts in the field about which you are writing provide supporting details and evidence for your thesis statement.
Lysander Spooner (1808-1887) points out the importance of the 9th Amendment to the American Constitution in protecting the natural rights of the people not enumerated in the first 8 amendments. He laments the fact that this amendment has been ignored by the courts almost since it was enacted:
The major purpose of these provisions of the 14th Amendment was to-limit the power of the federal government-expand the civil rights of women-maintain competition in business-protect the rights of African Americans.