{"id":1364,"date":"2022-05-23T11:32:11","date_gmt":"2022-05-23T11:32:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helloworldlive.com\/?p=1364"},"modified":"2022-05-23T11:32:11","modified_gmt":"2022-05-23T11:32:11","slug":"how-to-label-and-organize-court-exhibits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helloworldlive.com\/how-to-label-and-organize-court-exhibits\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Label and Organize Court Exhibits"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Every year, there are over 100 million cases filed<\/a> in state trial courts. Filings in federal trial courts are less with an average of 400,000 cases. Many of these filings include mountains of evidence also referred to as court exhibits.<\/p>\n

Proper labeling and indexing of each court exhibit can prevent logistical nightmares for law firms and courts. Mislabeled exhibits can adversely affect the outcome of your client’s case.<\/p>\n

You should know how to label exhibits to ensure you’re well-prepared for your case. Here are\u00a0some things you’ll need to know before going to trial.<\/p>\n

Types of Evidence<\/strong><\/p>\n

Evidence usually falls into one of four categories. Knowing what\u00a0these are can help you organize your case. They include:<\/p>\n

Real Evidence<\/strong><\/p>\n

This includes any tangible evidence involved in the case. An example of this is an object or weapon. Evidence that is relevant, material, and competent will fall into this category.<\/p>\n

Demonstrative<\/strong><\/p>\n

Demonstrative evidence is mainly used to substantiate a witness’s claims. What are the criteria for its admissibility? It must reflect a fair and accurate account of the witness’s statements.<\/p>\n

Testimonial<\/strong><\/p>\n

This type of evidence is basic. There are no prerequisites for its admissibility. The\u00a0words of individuals deemed competent are always taken into account by the court.<\/p>\n

Documentary<\/strong><\/p>\n

These comprise documents of evidence. It uses the same criteria for admissibility as real evidence. An example of documentary evidence is a contract.<\/p>\n

How to Prepare Exhibits for Court<\/strong><\/p>\n

Reviewing and researching are not the only preparation attorneys do for a case. They must also prepare exhibits for Court. This helps to prevent paperwork nightmares including the loss of critical evidence.\u00a0Here are a few steps you can take to stay organized.<\/p>\n

Categorize and Prepare Your Evidence<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once you determine your evidence category, you can then prepare each for court. This should take into account the logistics involved in submitting the evidence. This includes showing video footage and transporting larger items to court.<\/p>\n

Organize Your Exhibits<\/strong><\/p>\n

You should arrange your exhibits based on how you will be presenting your case. Once they’re in order, label each one and make at least three copies of each.<\/p>\n

List and File Them<\/strong><\/p>\n

Labeling your exhibits makes them easier to list and file. It also allows you to check to see if any evidence is missing. Your list should include a complete exhibit index that indicates:<\/p>\n