Why do we need to avoid alteration, and deterioration in handling document evidences?

Answer 1

There are several reasons why we need to avoid alteration and deterioration in handling document evidence:

1. Preservation of Integrity: Document evidence is crucial in legal proceedings as it often serves as proof of events or transactions. Any alteration or tampering with the document can compromise its integrity, and raise doubts about its authenticity or accuracy. Maintaining the original condition of the document ensures that its evidentiary value remains intact.

2. Legal Admissibility: Altered or deteriorated documents may not be accepted as reliable evidence in a court of law. Courts follow strict rules of evidence, and any document that has been tampered with or has deteriorated to the extent that its contents are unreadable or unreliable may be excluded from being presented as evidence.

3. Objectivity and Fairness: The principle of fairness and equal opportunity requires that all parties to a legal dispute have access to the same evidence. If one party is allowed to alter or deteriorate document evidence, it can give them an unfair advantage over the other party, compromising the integrity of the legal process.

4. Authenticity and Accuracy: Document evidence is expected to be authentic and accurate, reflecting the truth or facts of the matter under consideration. Any alteration or deterioration can introduce errors or distortions, making it difficult to determine the true nature of the evidence.

5. Chain of Custody: Maintaining a proper chain of custody is important in legal proceedings to establish the authenticity and reliability of evidence. Alterations or deterioration in the handling of document evidence can break the chain of custody, making it difficult to prove its origin and history, and raising questions about its admissibility.

Overall, avoiding alteration and deterioration in handling document evidence is critical to ensuring fairness, maintaining the integrity of the legal process, and upholding the credibility and reliability of evidence in legal proceedings.