Self-Executing Provisions

See Constitutional; and also Thomps.

Corp. § 3001.

SELF - REGARDING EVIDENCE

That evidence for or against a party which is afforded by the language or demeanor of himself or of those who represent him. When in favor of the party supplying it, the evidence may be said to be “self-serving,” when otherwise, “self-disserving,” and these terms are also applicable to the statement and demeanor of witnesses. Self-serving evidence is not originally admissible except where part of the document is used against the party, who is entitled to have the whole of it laid before the jury who may consider such statements as are selfserving, and give such weight to them as they see fit; 5 Taunt. 245; 2 D. & Ryl. 358. See Confession. Self-disserving statements are termed “admissions” in civil cases and “confessions” in criminal cases. See those titles. They are also classified as “plenary” when the statements are not absolutely inconsistent with the existence of fact different from those indicated by it.

See, generally, Best, Evidence §§ 518-577.