> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.litigationlabs.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Evidence

> Working with exhibits and documentary evidence in CaseSim

# 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:

| Type               | Examples                           |
| ------------------ | ---------------------------------- |
| **Contracts**      | Agreements, amendments, addenda    |
| **Correspondence** | Emails, letters, memos             |
| **Records**        | Business records, logs, reports    |
| **Financial**      | Invoices, statements, calculations |
| **Official**       | Government records, certifications |

### 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:

```
Scenario: Smith v. Acme Corporation

Exhibits:
├── Exhibit 1: Supply Agreement (Contract)
├── Exhibit 2: Quality Inspection Report
├── Exhibit 3: Email Correspondence
├── Exhibit 4: Expert Report - Dr. Lopez
└── Exhibit 5: Damage Calculation Spreadsheet
```

### Exhibit Metadata

Each exhibit contains:

| Property           | Description                   |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------- |
| **Exhibit Number** | Reference identifier          |
| **Title**          | Descriptive name              |
| **Type**           | Document category             |
| **Date**           | When created or received      |
| **Author**         | Who created the document      |
| **Summary**        | Brief description of contents |

### 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:

<Steps>
  <Step title="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?"*
  </Step>

  <Step title="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?"*
  </Step>

  <Step title="Relevance">
    Demonstrate the document's connection to the case.

    *"What is the relationship between this document and the contract at issue?"*
  </Step>

  <Step title="Offer into Evidence">
    Formally request admission.

    *"Your Honor, I move to admit Exhibit 3 into evidence."*
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Common Foundation Questions

For different document types:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Business Records">
    * "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?"
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Contracts">
    * "Do you recognize this document?"
    * "What is it?"
    * "Is that your signature on page 5?"
    * "Did you read this document before signing?"
    * "Were any changes made after you signed?"
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Correspondence">
    * "Do you recognize this email?"
    * "Is that your email address in the 'From' field?"
    * "Did you send this email?"
    * "Does this accurately reflect what you wrote?"
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Objections to Evidence

Opposing counsel may object to admission:

| Objection         | Basis                                     | Response                                  |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| **Foundation**    | Insufficient authentication               | Lay additional foundation                 |
| **Hearsay**       | Document contains out-of-court statements | Argue exception (business records, etc.)  |
| **Relevance**     | No connection to case                     | Explain probative value                   |
| **Best Evidence** | Original required                         | Produce original or establish exception   |
| **Prejudice**     | Unfairly inflammatory                     | Argue probative value outweighs prejudice |

## Using Evidence During Examination

### Referencing Exhibits

Cite evidence in your questions:

```
"Directing your attention to Exhibit 2, the inspection report..."
"Looking at page 3 of the contract, paragraph 4..."
"The email dated March 15th shows..."
```

### Refreshing Recollection

Use documents to help witnesses remember:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Establish Memory Failure">
    "Do you recall the specific terms of the delivery schedule?"
    "I don't remember the exact dates."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Show Document">
    "Let me show you Exhibit 1, the contract. Please review Section 3."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Ask If It Refreshes">
    "Does that refresh your recollection?"
    "Yes, now I remember."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Continue Examination">
    "What were the delivery terms?"
    "Delivery was due by March 1st."
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Impeachment with Prior Statements

Use documents to challenge testimony:

```
Q: "You testified earlier that you never saw the report?"
A: "That's correct."

Q: "I'm showing you Exhibit 3, an email from you dated February 10th.
    Please read the highlighted portion."
A: "It says 'I reviewed the report yesterday.'"

Q: "So you did see the report before February 10th?"
A: "...I suppose I must have."
```

### Reading into the Record

Important content may be read aloud:

```
Q: "Please read the first paragraph of Exhibit 4 for the record."
A: "It says: 'Based on my examination, the components show evidence
    of manufacturing defects consistent with improper heat treatment
    during production.'"
```

## Evidence and Elicits

### Document-Based Elicits

Some elicits require evidence reference:

| Elicit                                 | Evidence Required                |
| -------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| "Establish contract price of \$50,000" | Contract (Exhibit 1)             |
| "Confirm witness signed the agreement" | Signature page                   |
| "Show delivery was late"               | Delivery records, correspondence |

### Strategy for Evidence-Based Facts

When elicits depend on documents:

1. Identify which exhibit supports the elicit
2. Plan foundation questions in advance
3. Build to the document systematically
4. 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:

1. **Text extraction**: Content is extracted from PDFs
2. **Indexing**: Documents are indexed for search
3. **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