Texas Surveyors Practice Exam

What type of evidence is a written document considered?

1. Direct Evidence

2. Real Evidence

3. Primary Evidence

4. Extrinsic Evidence

The correct answer is: Primary Evidence

A written document is classified as primary evidence because it is an original source of information and directly conveys the facts it represents. Primary evidence consists of documents, recordings, or other materials that serve as authentic proof in a legal context. In legal situations, primary evidence holds the highest evidentiary value because it is directly related to the facts at issue and has not been altered or interpreted by others. For example, a signed contract or an original deed is considered primary evidence because it reflects the intentions and agreements of the parties involved at the time it was created. This type of evidence allows for a clear understanding of the content and context without the ambiguity that can come from secondary sources. Real evidence, while also significant in legal proceedings, refers to tangible objects that can be presented in court, such as a weapon or a piece of clothing. Extrinsic evidence pertains to information that helps interpret or explain the primary evidence but is not a source in itself. Direct evidence refers to evidence that directly proves a fact without needing any inference, like eyewitness testimony, which differs from the nature of written documents.