Tangible items that tend to prove a material fact and are also called real evidence are known as what?

• A. Documentary evidence
• B. Physical Evidence
• C. Circumstantial evidence
• D. Hearsay evidence

Answer: (B)

Physical evidence refers to tangible objects that can be perceived with the senses and tend to prove a material fact. These items—often called real evidence—are directly connected to the issue in dispute and can be examined, measured, or tested to establish facts such as identity, origin, or causation. Examples include a weapon, a fingerprint, fibers, tool marks, or a recovered bullet.

This category is distinct from documentary evidence, which consists of writings or records that document information; from circumstantial evidence, which infers a fact from other facts rather than proving it directly by the object itself; and from hearsay, which are out-of-court statements offered for their truth. Physical evidence is valued for its objective, testable nature and its direct link to the events or persons involved.