''Substantial'' Legal Definition (Evidence)

"In determining whether a judgment is supported by substantial evidence, we may not confine our consideration to isolated bits of evidence, but must view the whole record in a light most favorable to the judgment, resolving all evidentiary conflicts and drawing all reasonable inferences in favor of the decision of the trial court. (People v. Johnson (1980) 26 Cal. 3d 557, 576-578 [162 Cal. Rptr. 431, 606 P.2d 738, 16 A.L.R.4th 1255].) We may not substitute our view of the correct findings for those of the trial court; rather, we must accept any reasonable interpretation of the evidence which supports the trial court's decision. However, we may not defer to that decision entirely. 'If the word "substantial" means anything at all, it clearly implies that such evidence must be of ponderable legal significance. Obviously the word cannot be deemed synonymous with "any" evidence. It must be reasonable in nature, credible, and of solid value; it must actually be "substantial" proof of the essentials which the law requires in a particular case.' ( Estate of Teed (1952) 112 Cal. App. 2d 638, 644 [247 P.2d 54]. See also People v. Johnson, supra, 26 Cal. 3d at p. 576; Pacific Gas & Electric Co. v. Zuckerman (1987) 189 Cal. App. 3d 1113, 1134 [234 Cal. Rptr. 630].) " ( Beck Development Co. v. Southern Pacific Transportation Co. (1996) 44 Cal. App. 4th 1160, 1203-1204 [52 Cal. Rptr. 2d 518].)