Documentary evidence

Documentary evidence is often central in Swiss civil, administrative and criminal proceedings. It includes contracts, correspondence, invoices, minutes, public records and electronic files if they can reliably convey information. The probative value depends on authenticity, completeness, context and any formal evidentiary rules. Public documents may carry particular weight, while private documents are assessed with other evidence. Parties should produce documents in a readable and organized form and, where authenticity is disputed, be prepared to explain origin, custody and integrity.