Intro to the Federal Rules of Evidence - 23

IV. REAL AND DEMONSTRATIVE EVIDENCE

A. REAL EVIDENCE V. DEMONSTRATIVE EVIDENCE
1. Real evidence
Real evidence is a tangible object that played some actual role in the matter that gave rise to the litigation. For example, a knife used in a fatal stabbing.

2. Demonstrative evidence
Demonstrative evidence is tangible evidence that merely illustrates a matter of importance in the litigation. For example, maps, diagrams, models, summaries and other materials created especially for the litigation.

3. Significance of distinction
The foundation requirements needed to authenticate the two types of evidence are different.