Tõendi

Tõendi is the Estonian term for evidence or any item that substantiates a fact. In law and administration, tõendid are used to prove claims, rights, or obligations. The form tõendi is the genitive singular of tõend and appears in phrases such as tõendi esitamine (presentation of proof) or tõendi puudumine (absence of proof).

Origin and scope: The noun tõend is closely related to truth (tõde) and the verb tõestama (to prove). As a legal and administrative concept, tõend encompasses both documents and other material that demonstrates a fact. It covers tangible documents as well as other forms of proof that can support a claim.

Usage in practice: In courts, parties rely on tõendid to support assertions. Administrative procedures require tõendi proving eligibility or entitlement, such as a birth certificate or contract as a tõend of age or agreement. Proof can be documentary or testimonial, and in modern systems digital tõendid (electronic records) are admitted under specific rules. The admissibility and weight of a tõend depend on relevance, reliability, and provenance, including chain of custody and authenticity checks.

Types: Documentary tõendid include certificates, receipts, and registrations. Testimonial tõendid are statements by witnesses, and expert tõendid are opinions provided by specialists. The concept of tõend is central to civil, criminal and administrative proceedings, but also relevant in everyday transactions when proving identity, rights, or obligations.