What is one criterion that must be met for photographs to be deemed evidentiary?

Photographs qualify as evidentiary material primarily when they depict the scene of the incident in question. This criterion is crucial because the primary function of photographs in legal proceedings is to provide a visual representation that helps establish facts about what occurred. If the photographs accurately capture the scene where an event took place, they can assist in reconstructing the circumstances, illustrating the environment, or showing relevant objects, which can significantly influence the understanding of the case.

The necessity for such visual documentation allows the court to better interpret the verbal testimonies and claims made by the parties. By having a clear representation of the scene, the jury or judge can assess the evidence more effectively, leading to a more informed decision regarding the facts of the case.

Other options, while they may have relevance in specific contexts, do not fulfill the fundamental requirement that photographs must meet to be considered evidentiary. For instance, showing the defendant's intent or prior images of the location might be useful in some cases, but they are not essential criteria for photographs to be admissible as evidence. Likewise, photographs do not need to be taken by an expert to hold evidentiary value; lay witnesses can also provide caring photographs that effectively meet the criteria of depicting the incident.