SECONDARY EVIDENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Secondary evidence refers to proof or documentation presented in a court of law that is not the original or primary evidence of a fact in question. In legal contexts, primary evidence is considered to be the best available evidence, typically consisting of original documents or firsthand testimony. Secondary evidence, on the other hand, constitutes a substitute for primary evidence and is used when the original evidence is not accessible or available.
This type of evidence generally consists of copies, duplicates, or other forms of evidence that provide indirect information or support the existence or authenticity of a primary document or testimonial account. It can be introduced when the party seeking to present it can adequately demonstrate its reliability and authenticity. However, secondary evidence is generally considered less valuable than primary evidence and is often subject to scrutiny and potential challenges by opposing parties.
Examples of secondary evidence include photocopies, transcripts, or summaries of original documents, photographs or videos of original items or scenes, or testimonies from witnesses who can confirm the content or nature of the primary evidence. The admissibility of secondary evidence is subject to the rules and discretion of the court, which weighs any potential limitations or objections raised by the opposing party. Ultimately, it is up to the judge or jury to evaluate the reliability and credibility of secondary evidence in determining its probative value and admissibility within the legal proceedings.
Common Misspellings for SECONDARY EVIDENCE
- aecondary evidence
- zecondary evidence
- xecondary evidence
- decondary evidence
- eecondary evidence
- wecondary evidence
- swcondary evidence
- sscondary evidence
- sdcondary evidence
- srcondary evidence
- s4condary evidence
- s3condary evidence
- sexondary evidence
- sevondary evidence
- sefondary evidence
- sedondary evidence
- secindary evidence
- seckndary evidence
- seclndary evidence
- secpndary evidence
Etymology of SECONDARY EVIDENCE
The etymology of the word "secondary evidence" stems from the Latin origins of the two constituent words.
1. "Secondary" comes from the Latin word "secundarius", which means "second" or "following". It derives from the Latin word "secundus", meaning "next" or "following".
2. "Evidence" comes from the Latin word "evidentia", which means "proof" or "clearness". It is derived from the Latin word "evidens", meaning "obvious" or "apparent".
When combined, "secondary evidence" refers to evidence that is derived from or based on other evidence. It implies that it is not directly or immediately available or conclusive but is rather of a subordinate nature compared to primary evidence.
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