Test: Indian Evidence Act,1872 : an overview - CLAT PG MCQ

Admissibility refers to the criteria that determine whether evidence can be presented in court. Even if evidence is relevant, it may be inadmissible if it does not comply with legal rules, such as being hearsay or obtained illegally. Understanding admissibility is crucial for a fair trial.

The Best Evidence Rule mandates that the original document or evidence must be presented in court unless valid reasons are provided for not doing so. This rule aims to ensure that the most reliable and authentic evidence is used to support legal arguments, enhancing the integrity of the judicial process.

Estoppel is a legal principle that prevents a party from asserting something contrary to what has been previously established. This principle is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the legal process, ensuring that parties cannot shift their positions to the detriment of justice after having made claims or taken actions based on earlier statements.

Oral evidence consists of the statements made by witnesses concerning matters of fact that are under investigation. It is a primary form of evidence in court, as it allows witnesses to directly convey their observations and experiences related to the case.

Relevancy relates to whether a piece of evidence has a direct connection to the facts of the case and helps in proving or disproving them. It is essential for determining what evidence can be considered in legal proceedings. Evidence can be relevant but not admissible if it violates legal standards.

In a criminal case, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, which must establish the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This high standard is designed to protect the rights of individuals and ensure that convictions are based on solid evidence, reflecting a fundamental principle of criminal law.

The primary distinction lies in their definitions: relevancy refers to whether a piece of evidence is related to the case and can help prove or disprove a fact in question, whereas admissibility deals with whether that evidence can actually be presented in court under legal rules. For instance, while a witness’s testimony may be relevant, it might not be admissible if it was obtained in violation of legal standards, such as hearsay rules. This understanding is crucial for ensuring a fair trial and the pursuit of truth in legal proceedings.

Direct evidence is the type of evidence that directly proves a fact without needing inference or presumption. This includes eyewitness testimonies and video recordings, which provide straightforward proof of a fact. Understanding the difference between direct and indirect (or circumstantial) evidence is essential in legal proceedings, as it can significantly affect the outcome of a case.

The "burden of proof" refers to the obligation of a party in a legal dispute to prove their claims. In criminal cases, this burden typically falls on the prosecution, which must establish the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil cases, the burden is often on the plaintiff to prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence. This concept is fundamental in legal proceedings, as it ensures that claims are substantiated with adequate evidence.

The "Best Evidence Rule" requires that the original document or evidence be presented in court unless a valid reason is provided for relying on a copy. This rule is intended to ensure the authenticity and integrity of evidence, as originals are generally more reliable than reproductions. If the original is unavailable, the party presenting the evidence must explain the reason for not providing the original, which helps maintain the reliability of the evidence presented in legal proceedings.