Article X. Contents of Writings, Recordings, and Photographs
Rule 1003. Admissibility of Duplicates
A duplicate is admissible to the same extent as an original unless a genuine question is raised as to the authenticity of the original.
Advisory Commission Comments
This rule is the key to an understanding of the best evidence rule as the Commission contemplates it. Normally business people and lawyers accept machine copies as authentic. There is no reason why courts should not take the same approach in most instances. See Rule 1001(4) for the definition of “duplicate.”
