Commentary on Sections Part 1 – Assignation Searches and extracts Section 34 – Admissibility and evidential status of search results
165.This section provides that a copy of a search result, relating to a search carried out by means of a search facility provided by the Keeper, may be used as evidence of certain matters and, moreover, to prove certain matters unless there is evidence to the contrary. A search result may be in printed or electronic form.
166.This section should be read with section 35, which provides that an extract from the RoA will provide evidence of the contents of the relevant entry at the relevant date. It cannot be rebutted by other evidence (though liability is imposed on the Keeper for errors in extracts under section 37(1)(e) of the Act). It should also be noted that RoA Rules may prescribe by virtue of section 39(2)(f) that certain information on the register (for example, a precise date of birth) is not to be included in search results.