Which item is self-authenticating and does not require extrinsic evidence of authenticity?

Which item is self-authenticating and does not require extrinsic evidence of authenticity?

• A. Certified copies of public records
• B. A handwriting sample
• C. A private contract
• D. A photo not identified

Answer: (A)

Self-authentication means a document can be admitted without separate proof of its genuineness. Under the Federal Rules, certified copies of public records are one of the items listed as self-authenticating. Because they come from a public office and bear official certification, the court accepts them as authentic without requiring a witness to testify about their authenticity. This official stamp or seal provides the requisite assurance, so extrinsic evidence of authenticity isn’t needed. The other options would require some form of authentication: a handwriting sample needs proof tying the writing to a person; a private contract is a private instrument that normally requires authentication (for example, by a witness); a photo not identified isn’t automatically self-authenticating and generally needs authentication to establish its authenticity and relevance.

Self-authentication means a document can be admitted without separate proof of its genuineness. Under the Federal Rules, certified copies of public records are one of the items listed as self-authenticating. Because they come from a public office and bear official certification, the court accepts them as authentic without requiring a witness to testify about their authenticity. This official stamp or seal provides the requisite assurance, so extrinsic evidence of authenticity isn’t needed.

The other options would require some form of authentication: a handwriting sample needs proof tying the writing to a person; a private contract is a private instrument that normally requires authentication (for example, by a witness); a photo not identified isn’t automatically self-authenticating and generally needs authentication to establish its authenticity and relevance.