Best Evidence Rule

Best Evidence Rule

Review the best evidence rule, which requires that a person produce an original copy (rather than a duplicate or summary) in order for writings, recordings, and photographs to be admissible in court.

Transcript

As you’ve learned, items of evidence offered in a courtroom must be authenticated as genuine. For many items, authentication and admissibility are the only obstacles that must be overcome before being admitted as exhibits. However, writings, recordings, and photographs must overcome an additional obstacle: courts prefer these items to be original, or the best evidence possible, rather than an unreliable duplicate or summarization. Today, you’ll be learning about this obstacle, which is better...