Best Evidence

Means the best evidence of which the nature of the case admits, not the highest or strongest evidence which the nature of the thing to be proved admits of: e. g. a copy of a deed is not the best evidence; the deed itself is better.

The rule requiring the best evidence to be produced, is to be understood of the best legal evidence. It is relaxed in some cases, e.g. where the words or the act of the opposite party avow the fact to be proved. A tavern keeper's sign avows his occupation; taking of tithes avows the clerical character; so, addressing one as The Reverend T. S.
   

This entry contains material from Bouvier's Legal Dictionary, a work published in the 1850's.