1. Evidence or proof that directly demonstrates or establishes the existence of a fact, independent of other evidence; material or concrete evidence that goes to the heart of the matter
The DNA evidence presented was substantive proof of the defendant's guilt.
A prova substantiva de DNA apresentada foi comprovação concreta da culpa do réu.
2. In legal proceedings, evidence that is relevant and material to the case, as opposed to procedural or formal requirements
The court required substantive evidence rather than mere procedural compliance.
O tribunal exigiu prova substantiva em vez de simples cumprimento de procedimentos.