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Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Edition (1856)

ALIBI, in evidence. This is a Latin word which signifies, elsewhere.
2. When a person, charged with a crime, proves (se eadem die fuisse
alibi,) that he was, at the time alleged, in a different place from that in
which it was committed, he is said to prove an alibi, the effect of which is
to lay a foundation for the necessary inference, that he could not have
committed it. See Bract. fo. 140, lib. 3, cap. 20, De Corona.
3. This proof is usually made out by the testimony of witnesses, but it
is presumed it might be made out by writings; as if the party could prove by
a record properly authenticated, that on the day or at the time in question,
he was in another place.
4. It must be admitted that mere alibi evidence lies under a great and
general prejudice, and ought to be heard with uncommon caution; but if it
appear, to be founded in truth, it is the best negative evidence that can be
offered; it is really positive evidence, which in the nature of things
necessarily implies a negative; and in many cases it is the only evidence
which an innocent man can offer.