Statements made during a trial by a judge or lawyer regarding his or her own opinion about the evidence and the credibility of the witnesses. In many states, judges are not permitted to make such statements. Furthermore, a prosecutor may not comment on the defendant's refusal to testify in a criminal action. When made, such prohibited statements are sometimes called an impermissible comment on the evidence. n. commerce The exchange of goods, materials, products, and services or the travel of ...