Bewijsmiddel

In Dutch law, means of evidence are the instruments by which parties in civil and criminal proceedings may establish the facts on which their case rests. These include witness statements, documentary evidence, expert reports and objects relevant to the matter.

The significance of means of evidence lies in their decisive role in the court’s fact-finding process. Without sufficient and reliable evidence, a claim may be dismissed or a defendant acquitted, as the burden and standard of proof are governed by statute.

In practice, means of evidence must be submitted in a timely manner and in compliance with the formal requirements laid down in the Code of Civil Procedure or the Code of Criminal Procedure in order to be admissible.