Which statement about the original-document rule is correct?

Which statement about the original-document rule is correct?

• A. It requires the best possible document rather than the original.
• B. It applies only to printed documents.
• C. It requires the original writing or a reliable duplicate to prove contents, but does not apply to real physical evidence such as a three-dimensional model.
• D. It never applies to electronic documents.

Answer: (C)

The rule focuses on proving the contents of writings, recordings, and photographs by the original item or a reliable duplicate. Its aim is to ensure that what is being proved is accurate and not altered, so a genuine copy that faithfully reflects the original is allowed to establish contents in place of presenting the original itself. It’s not limited to printed documents; the concept covers writings, recordings, and photographs, including reliable duplicates like photocopies or electronic copies that accurately reflect the original. This rule does not apply to real physical evidence such as a three-dimensional model or other nonwriting/recording objects. Those kinds of evidence are governed by different principles and rules, so the requirement to produce the original or a reliable duplicate to prove contents does not apply to them. It’s worth noting that there are exceptions. If the original is lost or destroyed and cannot be obtained by reasonable means, other evidence of the contents may be admitted, and duplicates have their own admissibility standards.

The rule focuses on proving the contents of writings, recordings, and photographs by the original item or a reliable duplicate. Its aim is to ensure that what is being proved is accurate and not altered, so a genuine copy that faithfully reflects the original is allowed to establish contents in place of presenting the original itself. It’s not limited to printed documents; the concept covers writings, recordings, and photographs, including reliable duplicates like photocopies or electronic copies that accurately reflect the original.

This rule does not apply to real physical evidence such as a three-dimensional model or other nonwriting/recording objects. Those kinds of evidence are governed by different principles and rules, so the requirement to produce the original or a reliable duplicate to prove contents does not apply to them. It’s worth noting that there are exceptions. If the original is lost or destroyed and cannot be obtained by reasonable means, other evidence of the contents may be admitted, and duplicates have their own admissibility standards.