Legal Exhibit Glossary
Comprehensive definitions of exhibit-related legal terminology for litigation professionals. From exhibit stamping and Bates numbering to authentication and trial procedures.
30 terms found.
A(2 terms)
B(2 terms)
Batch Processing
Applying the same operation (like exhibit stamping) to multiple files simultaneously rather than one at a time.
Bates Numbering
A method of indexing legal documents by placing unique, sequential numbers on each page. Originally created by the Bates Automatic Numbering Machine.
C(3 terms)
Certified Copy
A copy of a document authenticated by an official custodian as a true and accurate copy of the original.
Chain of Custody
Documentation showing who had possession of evidence and when, from collection through presentation at trial.
Courtesy Copy
An additional copy of a filed document provided to the judge's chambers when local rules or the judge's procedures call for one.
D(3 terms)
Demonstrative Evidence
A chart, diagram, model, or other visual presentation used to explain a point. Its legal treatment depends on whether it is evidence or only an illustrative aid.
Deposition Exhibit
Documents shown to a witness during a deposition and marked for identification in the deposition record.
Document Control Number
A unique identifier assigned to track documents in litigation, often combining the producing party prefix and a sequential number.
E(6 terms)
E-Filing
Electronic submission of legal documents to courts through online portals. Courts' e-filing rules may set file-format and naming requirements — check the court's e-filing rules.
ESI (Electronically Stored Information)
Digital evidence including emails, databases, social media posts, text messages, and metadata. Subject to special discovery rules.
Exhibit Label
The identifier assigned to a piece of evidence, typically following court-specific naming conventions (e.g., plaintiff uses numbers 1-999, defendant uses letters A-ZZZ).
Exhibit List
A comprehensive index of all exhibits to be offered at trial, typically including exhibit number, description, and witness who will authenticate it.
Exhibit Marking
The process of applying identification labels to evidence before trial or deposition. Includes physical stamps, digital overlays, or adhesive labels.
Exhibit Stamp
A label or marking applied to documentary evidence to identify it during legal proceedings. Typically includes the exhibit number or letter, party designation, and sometimes the case name.
M(2 terms)
Marked for Identification
An exhibit that has been assigned a number or letter but not yet formally admitted into evidence. Marked during questioning before admission.
Metadata
Hidden data embedded in electronic documents showing author, creation date, edit history, and other file properties.
P(2 terms)
PDF Exhibits
Exhibits converted to PDF format for electronic filing, digital presentation, or sharing with opposing counsel.
Pre-Marking
The practice of marking exhibits with identification labels before trial or deposition, rather than marking them during the proceeding.
S(4 terms)
Sequential Labeling
Numbering or lettering exhibits in consecutive order (1, 2, 3... or A, B, C...) rather than by custom labels.
Slipsheet
A placeholder page inserted in an exhibit binder to identify non-PDF files (audio, video, spreadsheets) or to separate exhibit categories.
Stipulated Exhibit
An exhibit covered by the parties’ agreement about a specified issue, such as authenticity or admission.
Summary Exhibit
A summary, chart, or calculation offered to prove the content of voluminous writings, recordings, or photographs that cannot be conveniently examined in court (FRE 1006).
T(3 terms)
Table of Contents
An organized list at the beginning of an exhibit binder showing all included documents with page numbers.
Trial Binder
An organized collection of exhibits, pleadings, and notes prepared for use during trial. Often includes tabs for each witness and exhibit.
Trial Exhibit
Evidence formally marked and offered during trial proceedings. Must be authenticated and admitted before the jury can consider it.