Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

What type of evidence is considered inadmissible if not properly authenticated?

1. Volatile evidence

2. Digital evidence

3. Documentary evidence

4. Non-volatile evidence

The correct answer is: Documentary evidence

The concept of authentication of evidence is crucial in legal contexts, as it establishes the reliability and origin of that evidence during legal proceedings. Documentary evidence, which includes any written or recorded information, must be properly authenticated to be admissible in court. This means that there must be proof that the document is what it claims to be, and without this authentication, the court may deem it inadmissible. This principle applies to various forms of documentation, such as emails, contracts, or financial records. If the evidence cannot be verified or lacks a credible foundation, it fails to meet the standards required for it to impact legal proceedings effectively. In contrast, while other types of evidence might also require some level of verification, the critical aspect of authentication is particularly emphasized with documentary evidence due to its potential for manipulation or misrepresentation.