What is considered Documentary Evidence?

Documentary evidence refers to physical items that provide proof or information relevant to a situation or investigation, often in a recorded format. These can include photographs, videos, and written documents. Such forms of evidence are crucial because they present a visual or literal account that can be analyzed or referenced, enhancing the credibility of the information being conveyed. The clarity and permanence of documentary evidence make it particularly valuable in legal and investigative contexts, as it can be objectively evaluated and corroborated.

In contrast, witness statements and oral testimonies are forms of testimonial evidence that rely on personal accounts, which are subject to individual interpretation and memory lapses. Meanwhile, physical artifacts, while they hold significance as evidence, do not contain information in a recorded format like documentary evidence does. Therefore, when considering the characteristics of evidence that are formally documented and can provide definitive information, photographs, videos, and writings stand out as the clearest representation of documentary evidence.