What is meant by the statement that documentary evidence is not admissible until it has been authenticated? Must evidence that is introduced to authenticate a document be direct evidence? Explain.

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The Answer is The statement that documentary evidence is not admissible until it has been authenticated means that any written or recorded evidence, such as a document or a recording, cannot be used as evidence in a legal proceeding until its authenticity has been verified. This is to ensure that the evidence presented is reliable and can be trusted as accurate.

Evidence introduced to authenticate a document does not necessarily have to be direct evidence. Direct evidence is evidence that directly proves a fact, such as an eyewitness account. In the case of authenticating a document, indirect evidence can also be used, such as testimony from a witness who can verify the document's origin or chain of custody. Other forms of indirect evidence could include expert testimony or forensic analysis to confirm the document's authenticity.

In summary, the authentication of documentary evidence is a crucial step in the legal process to ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of the evidence presented. While direct evidence can be used to authenticate a document, indirect evidence can also be utilized to establish its authenticity.

What Is Meant by the Statement That Documentary Evidence Is