What term refers to evidence not contained within a legal document itself?

The term that refers to evidence not contained within a legal document itself is extrinsic evidence. This type of evidence includes information that can help clarify, support, or contradict the contents of a written document but is sourced from outside of that document. For instance, extrinsic evidence might include witness testimonies, previously agreed-upon statements between parties, or other relevant information that can aid in understanding the intent or context of the document.

In contrast, intrinsic evidence is derived from the document itself, such as the text and structure. Material evidence tends to relate more to physical evidence in legal contexts rather than the clarity or intent behind legal documents. Parol evidence specifically refers to oral or written statements that were made prior to or at the same time as the writing of a contract, which can be used to interpret ambiguous terms within the contract, but it is still considered a subset of extrinsic evidence. Thus, the understanding of extrinsic evidence emphasizes the importance of contextual information in interpreting legal documents.