What does the term "documentary evidence" refer to?

The term "documentary evidence" refers to written records that support a case. This type of evidence includes any document that can corroborate facts, provide context, or establish authenticity in a legal context. Examples of documentary evidence might include contracts, affidavits, letters, emails, and official records. The essential feature of documentary evidence is that it consists of tangible written materials that can be presented in court or during legal proceedings to substantiate claims or defenses.

While public records maintained by the state, personal diaries, and scientific reports can also provide valuable information, they do not encompass the general definition of documentary evidence as broadly as written records that are directly related to the case at hand. Public records might not always be relevant to specific legal disputes, personal diaries may lack objectivity or formality, and scientific reports, while informative, usually pertain more to expert testimony rather than direct documentary proof of a case. Thus, the broader classification of written records best captures the essence of what documentary evidence entails.