EVIDENCE LAW — Documentary Evidence — Public Documents — Certified Public Documents Speak for Themselves
Ratio Decidendi
Per Muntaka-Coomassie, JSC, in Ogundele & Anor v. Agiri (2009) NLC-123-134-2004(SC) at p. 11; Paras B–D:
"Documents when tendered and admitted in court are like words uttered and do speak for themselves. They are more reliable and authentic than words from the vocal cord of man as they are neither transient nor subject to distortion and misinterpretation but remain permanent and indelible through the ages."
Explanation / Scope
This principle establishes that certified public documents speak for themselves and are more reliable than oral testimony. They are permanent, not subject to distortion, and can be relied upon as authentic. The principle applies where public documents are tendered. It ensures that documentary evidence is given due weight. The principle reflects the reliability of documentary evidence. It prevents parties from challenging the contents of certified public documents without proper grounds. The court must consider documents as authentic. The principle provides guidance on the weight to be attached to public documents.