Documentary evidence is best described as what type of proof?

Documentary evidence is indeed best described as written or printed materials used to support a claim. This type of evidence encompasses a wide range of documents such as contracts, emails, reports, photographs, and official records that provide factual support for assertions made in a legal context. The importance of documentary evidence lies in its ability to clearly and objectively substantiate or verify claims, making it a crucial element in many legal proceedings.

Other forms of evidence include verbal testimonies, which rely on the recollections and accounts of witnesses rather than on physical documents. Physical evidence refers to tangible items that may be analyzed or presented in a courtroom, such as weapons or fingerprints. Visual recordings, like videos or photographs, serve as another kind of evidence but are often classified separately from documentary forms. These distinctions are vital in understanding the different ways in which evidence can be categorized and utilized in legal scenarios.