What is considered a primary source of evidence in the context of individual verification?

In the context of individual verification, court records are considered a primary source of evidence because they provide direct and official documentation of legal proceedings and decisions. These records include transcripts, case files, judgments, and other legal documents that originate from the judicial system, reflecting firsthand accounts of legal matters involving individuals, such as civil or criminal cases. This direct source offers the most reliable and accurate information regarding legal status, ownership, or relationships.

Other options, such as public records, secondhand narratives, and media articles, may contain useful information but do not hold the same level of authority or authenticity as court records. Public records can sometimes represent secondary sources, depending on the context, while secondhand narratives and media articles are typically interpretations or summaries of events rather than original documents or direct evidence. Therefore, court records stand out as the most concrete and credible evidence for individual verification in legal contexts.