Adverse Inference is the legal principle that allows a fact-finder to draw an unfavorable inference from a party's failure to produce evidence that is within their control. This principle is often used when a party fails to produce documents or other forms of evidence that would support their position. The goal of Adverse Inference is to ensure that parties who have the ability to produce evidence but fail to do so are not rewarded for their inaction. There are two types of Adverse Inference: mandatory Adverse Inference and permissive Adverse Inference. Mandatory Adverse Inference is when a court will draw an unfavorable inference from the absence of evidence without any further inquiry. Permissive Adverse Inference is when a court may draw an unfavorable inference from the absence of evidence, but only if it is satisfied that the evidence is relevant and would have been produced if it had been favorable to the party’s position.