best evidence rule

The evidentiary rule providing that, to prove the contents of a writing (or a recording or photograph), a party must produce the original writing (or a mechanical, electronic, or other familiar duplicate, such as a photocopy) unless it is unavailable, in which case secondary evidence — the testimony of the drafter or a person who read the document — may be admitted. Fed. R. Evid. 1001–1004.

— Also termed documentary-originals rule; original-writing rule; original-document rule. [Cases: Criminal Law 398–403; Evidence 157–187. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 833–845; Evidence §§ 1054–1131.]

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词条贡献者

译员William，毕业于欧洲顶尖的高级翻译学院，专注翻译各种与区块链技术与数字货币有关的法律文件。