Physical evidence in court

Introduction

1. This section considers types of evidence other than by oral witness testimony that may be admitted in court, including:

• written statements;
• documents;
• maps, plans and photographs;
• sound and video recordings;,
• business records;
• certificates;
• material objects, such as parts of machinery.

2. In order for this evidence to be admitted, you must follow the correct rules and procedures. Some documents may 'speak for themselves'; others may need to be presented by a witness before becoming receivable in evidence.

3. The collection of documentary and real evidence ("Physical evidence") is dealt with in the Investigation Stage of the Enforcement Guide in the `Collecting Physical Evidence' section.