What distinguishes demonstrative evidence from documentary evidence?

• A. Demonstrative evidence illustrates facts; documentary evidence consists of records or writings.
• B. Demonstrative is always admissible; documentary is always inadmissible.
• C. Demonstrative is physical objects only; documentary is spoken word.
• D. Demonstrative is a type of testimony; documentary is visual.

Answer: (D)

Demonstrative evidence is a visual aid used to explain or illustrate facts that have already been established by other evidence, such as a diagram, map, model, or photograph shown to help the jury understand what a witness is saying.

Documentary evidence consists of records or writings—like police reports, emails, contracts, or other recorded information—that themselves tend to prove a fact in issue, once properly authenticated.

So the difference is function: demonstrative evidence clarifies and helps interpret the facts; documentary evidence carries the factual information in a recorded form. For example, a diagram a witness points to during testimony is demonstrative; the actual police report that documents the events is documentary.