silent witness theory
silent-witness theory. Evidence. A method of authenticating and admitting evidence (such as a photograph), without the need for a witness to verify its authenticity, upon a sufficient showing of the reliability of the process of producing the evidence, including proof that the evidence has not been altered. [Cases: Criminal Law 438, 444; Evidence 359, 380. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 1025, 1028, 1030, 1032, 1040–1041, 1046; Evidence §§ 987, 991–994, 998, 1000, 1002.]