Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

Which of the following types of evidence is considered less reliable?

1. Physical evidence

2. Documentary evidence

3. Testimonial evidence

4. Digital evidence

The correct answer is: Testimonial evidence

Testimonial evidence is considered less reliable compared to other types of evidence because it is inherently subjective; it relies on a person's verbal account of events. Human memory can be fallible and influenced by various factors such as stress, duration of time since the event, or even leading questions during an interview. As a result, individuals might unintentionally misremember or distort their recollection of events. Unlike physical or documentary evidence, which can be objectively analyzed or verified, testimonial evidence is vulnerable to biases and inaccuracies due to the variability of human perception and recall. In contrast, physical evidence is tangible and can often be scientifically tested or measured, making it more reliable. Documentary evidence, like contracts or photographs, can be examined for authenticity and relevance. Digital evidence, while also subject to certain challenges, typically has a level of traceability and analysis that adds to its reliability. Therefore, the inherent limitations of human testimony render it the least reliable type of evidence among the options provided.