Maryland Security Guard Practice Exam

Which of the following can be used as evidence in court?

1. Heard testimonies

2. Witness statements

3. Security camera footage

4. Written reports only

The correct answer is: Security camera footage

Security camera footage is considered a powerful form of evidence in court because it provides objective and visual proof of events that occurred. Such footage can capture real-time actions and situations, helping to establish the facts of a case. Its reliability often stems from the fact that it records events as they happen, making it less prone to misinterpretation or errors associated with human recollection. In contrast, other forms of evidence like heard testimonies, witness statements, and written reports can be influenced by personal perspectives and biases. Heard testimonies, though valuable, may vary significantly in accuracy depending on the witness's perception and memory of the event. Similarly, while witness statements may provide crucial information, they can also be subject to personal interpretation and reliability issues. Written reports are helpful but often summarize information and may lack the immediate context that video footage provides. Therefore, the clarity and visual nature of security camera footage make it a compelling form of evidence for establishing the facts in a legal context.