What does secondary evidence refer to?

Secondary evidence refers to evidence that is not the original material but is used to prove or support a point regarding the original. In the context of deeds, a copy of a deed is considered secondary evidence because it is not the original document but rather a reproduction of it. In legal and surveying contexts, secondary evidence may be used when the original document is lost or unavailable, and it helps to establish the details contained within the original deed.

While original deeds, oral testimonies, and public records have their own roles in legal discussions, they do not align with the definition of secondary evidence in the same way as a copy of a deed does. Original deeds are primary evidence, as they are the actual documents signed and verified. Oral testimony, while valuable, falls under a different category of evidence. Documented evidence in public records is also generally considered primary or foundational evidence used to substantiate claims or provide authoritative information.