AUTOPTIC PROFERENCE
autoptic proference (proh-f<<schwa>>r-<<schwa>>nts). The presentation of an item for
inspection by the court. See demonstrative evidence under EVIDENCE. [Cases: Criminal Law
404.45; Evidence 188. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 854–855; Evidence §§ 789–791, 794, 796.]
“Yet another form of proof that may present difficulties in defining evidence is what
Wigmore calls ‘autoptic proference.’ By this barbarism, the learned author was referring to those
few cases in which it is possible to bring before the jury the material fact itself, rather than
evidence of the fact.” 22 Charles Alan Wright & Kenneth W. Graham Jr., Federal Practice and
Procedure § 5163, at 33 (1978).[Blacks Law 8th]