Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2025

Emails or letters are classified as which type of evidence?

1. Physical evidence

2. Direct evidence

3. Documentary evidence

4. Hearsay evidence

The correct answer is: Documentary evidence

Emails or letters are classified as documentary evidence. This type of evidence includes any written material that can be used to support or refute claims in a legal context. Documentary evidence is significant because it provides a tangible record of communications or transactions that can be examined for authenticity and accuracy. In contrast, physical evidence refers to tangible items (like objects or materials) that can be presented in court. Direct evidence typically refers to evidence that directly proves a fact, such as eyewitness testimony, while hearsay evidence involves statements made outside of the courtroom that are presented to assert the truth of the matter stated. Thus, emails and letters are accurately categorized as documentary evidence due to their nature as written records documenting information or communications.