Legal Dictionary of Pakistan

best evidence

Evidence of the highest quality available, as measured by the nature of the case rather than the thing being offered as evidence. - Also termed primary evidence; original evidence. See BEST-EVIDENCE RULE. Cf. secondary evidence. "In some circumstances, 'best evidence' may mean that evidence which is more specific and definite as opposed to that which is merely general and indefinite or descriptive. However, 'best evidence' or 'primary evidence' is variously defined as that particular means of proof which is indicated by the nature of the fact under investigation as the most natural and satisfactory, or as that kind of proof which under any possible circumstances affords the greatest certainty of the fact in question; or as evidence which carries on its face no indication that better remains behind." 32A C.J.S. Evidence § 1054, at 417 (1996).