What is constituted as documentary evidence in legal terms?

Documentary evidence, in legal terms, refers to written reports or documents that provide proof of a fact or support claims made in a case. This type of evidence can include a wide range of materials such as contracts, written statements, official records, correspondence, reports, and any other documents that can convey information relevant to the case at hand.

The value of documentary evidence stems from its ability to provide a tangible and verifiable account of events, procedures, or communications relevant to legal proceedings. These written materials can serve to corroborate witness testimony, provide timelines, and illustrate patterns or behaviors that are pivotal in understanding the circumstances surrounding a case.

Other forms of evidence, while important, fall under different categories. For instance, physical objects may be crucial in establishing contexts or causes, while witness statements contribute subjective accounts of experiences. Electronic recordings and images can also be very compelling but do not fall under the definition of documentary evidence as strictly as written documents do. Thus, choice B directly aligns with the established definition of documentary evidence in the context of legal proceedings.