What does primary evidence refer to?

Primary evidence refers to original documents or physical items that are presented in a legal context as proof of a fact. This type of evidence is considered the most reliable form because it is the actual item or document created at the time of an event. For example, an original contract, a physical object involved in a case, or a video recording made during the event are all forms of primary evidence.

In legal proceedings, primary evidence holds a higher value in establishing authenticity and reliability compared to copies or reproductions. Copies of documents, secondhand accounts, or expert opinions do not carry the same weight as they may introduce the potential for errors or biases, thus making them less authoritative in legal contexts. Thus, the identification of primary evidence as original documents or physical items is crucial for upholding the integrity of evidence in court.