What is documentary evidence?

Documentary evidence refers specifically to printed or written materials that are used as proof or support in legal proceedings. This type of evidence can include documents like contracts, letters, emails, reports, and any other written materials that can substantiate claims, provide information, or verify facts. The significance of documentary evidence lies in its ability to present information in a tangible and verifiable form, making it easier for courts to assess its reliability and relevance to a case.

In contrast, options related to witness accounts, physical objects, and inference-based evidence do not fall under the definition of documentary evidence. Witness accounts are verbal testimonies provided by individuals, physical objects refer to tangible items presented as evidence, and inference-based evidence relies on logical conclusions drawn from facts rather than direct documentation. All these alternatives serve different roles in the evidentiary process, emphasizing the unique nature of documentary evidence in its written form.