ABSTRACT
Objects that can be seen, observed, and touched, which are not theoretical concepts but really exist, like cell phones, guns, knives, personal diaries, vehicle parts, and similar items, are called real evidence. Real evidence that has a tangible physical essence may be introduced into court, assuming that the party wanting to introduce the item has properly authenticated it to show that the item of real evidence is what it purports to be. This chapter reviews a variety of real evidence categories and instructs concerning how these items of evidence may be admitted as either the actual article or as demonstrative evidence that depicts or represents the actual article. This chapter provides the theoretical basis for authenticating physical evidence connected to the crime, including photographs, motion pictures, X-rays, digital data recordings, maps, diagrams, and models as well as courtroom experiments and demonstrations, to be introduced into evidence. Chain of custody, unique evidentiary qualities, and identification by persons with firsthand knowledge receives appropriate discussion.
