Which statement best defines documentary evidence?

Which statement best defines documentary evidence?

• A. Physical objects connected to a crime.
• B. Written or recorded materials that prove or disprove a fact.
• C. Oral statements made by witnesses.
• D. Testimony from a criminal influencer.

Answer: (B)

Documentary evidence is made up of written or recorded materials that prove or disprove a fact. This includes documents, reports, logs, emails, contracts, and recordings (video or audio) that capture information in a tangible form. The strength of documentary evidence lies in its ability to be inspected, authenticated, and relied upon without depending on a speaker’s memory. For example, an incident report or a medical record can establish what happened or the care provided, while surveillance video can show actions with a timestamp. This is different from oral statements, which are testimonial evidence, and from physical items, which are real or physical evidence. The option described matches the concept of evidence in written or recorded form that records information and can be used to prove or disprove a fact.

Documentary evidence is made up of written or recorded materials that prove or disprove a fact. This includes documents, reports, logs, emails, contracts, and recordings (video or audio) that capture information in a tangible form. The strength of documentary evidence lies in its ability to be inspected, authenticated, and relied upon without depending on a speaker’s memory. For example, an incident report or a medical record can establish what happened or the care provided, while surveillance video can show actions with a timestamp. This is different from oral statements, which are testimonial evidence, and from physical items, which are real or physical evidence. The option described matches the concept of evidence in written or recorded form that records information and can be used to prove or disprove a fact.