Evidence
Evidence in LitigationLabs consists of documents and exhibits that can be referenced and introduced during witness examination. Understanding how to work with evidence enhances your simulation experience and develops real-world trial skills.Types of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Written materials that may be introduced:Reports and Analysis
Expert or investigative materials:- Expert witness reports
- Inspection findings
- Laboratory analysis
- Medical records
Visual Evidence
Non-textual materials:- Photographs
- Diagrams
- Charts and graphs
- Maps and layouts
Evidence in Scenarios
Pre-Loaded Exhibits
Each scenario includes relevant evidence:Exhibit Metadata
Each exhibit contains:Accessing Evidence
During examination, access exhibits through:- Scenario panel: View all available exhibits
- Evidence viewer: Open full exhibit content
- Quick reference: Cite by exhibit number
Introducing Evidence
Foundation Requirements
Before evidence can be admitted, foundation must be established:1
Identification
Show the exhibit to the witness and ask them to identify it.“I’m showing you what’s been marked as Exhibit 3. Do you recognize this document?”
2
Authentication
Establish that the document is what it purports to be.“How do you recognize it?”
“Is this a true and accurate copy of the original?”
3
Relevance
Demonstrate the document’s connection to the case.“What is the relationship between this document and the contract at issue?”
4
Offer into Evidence
Formally request admission.“Your Honor, I move to admit Exhibit 3 into evidence.”
Common Foundation Questions
For different document types:- Business Records
- Contracts
- Correspondence
- “Are you familiar with your company’s record-keeping practices?”
- “Was this document made at or near the time of the events recorded?”
- “Was it made by someone with knowledge of the matters recorded?”
- “Is it kept in the ordinary course of business?”
- “Is it your company’s regular practice to keep such records?”
Objections to Evidence
Opposing counsel may object to admission:Using Evidence During Examination
Referencing Exhibits
Cite evidence in your questions:Refreshing Recollection
Use documents to help witnesses remember:1
Establish Memory Failure
“Do you recall the specific terms of the delivery schedule?”
“I don’t remember the exact dates.”
2
Show Document
“Let me show you Exhibit 1, the contract. Please review Section 3.”
3
Ask If It Refreshes
“Does that refresh your recollection?”
“Yes, now I remember.”
4
Continue Examination
“What were the delivery terms?”
“Delivery was due by March 1st.”
Impeachment with Prior Statements
Use documents to challenge testimony:Reading into the Record
Important content may be read aloud:Evidence and Elicits
Document-Based Elicits
Some elicits require evidence reference:Strategy for Evidence-Based Facts
When elicits depend on documents:- Identify which exhibit supports the elicit
- Plan foundation questions in advance
- Build to the document systematically
- Use the document to lock in testimony
Evidence Viewer
Accessing the Viewer
During examination:- Click exhibit name in scenario panel
- Reference exhibits in questions
- Full document view available
Viewer Features
The evidence viewer provides:- Full text display: Complete document content
- Search: Find specific terms within documents
- Highlight: Mark important sections
- Page navigation: Move through multi-page documents
Managing Your Evidence
Case Library
Evidence can be organized in your case library:- Upload documents for custom scenarios
- Organize by case folder
- Tag for easy retrieval
Document Processing
When you upload documents:- Text extraction: Content is extracted from PDFs
- Indexing: Documents are indexed for search
- Context preparation: Content is prepared for AI agent context
Supported Formats
LitigationLabs processes:- PDF documents
- Word documents (.docx)
- Plain text files
- Image files (with OCR)
Best Practices
Prepare Evidence Strategy
Before examination:- Review all available exhibits
- Identify which documents support your elicits
- Plan the order of introduction
- Anticipate objections
Lay Proper Foundation
Always establish foundation:- Don’t assume documents will be admitted automatically
- Methodically work through foundation requirements
- Address potential objections proactively
Use Evidence Purposefully
Strategic evidence use:- Don’t overwhelm with unnecessary documents
- Focus on exhibits that advance your case
- Use documents to corroborate testimony
- Impeach selectively and effectively
Practice Document Handling
Develop facility with:- Quick reference to specific pages
- Efficient foundation establishment
- Smooth transitions between documents
- Recovery when objections occur