Under the Best Evidence Rule, which statement correctly describes when copies are admissible?

• A. Originals are always required, regardless.
• B. Duplicates are never admissible.
• C. Copies may be admissible if originals are unavailable and authenticity can be established.
• D. The rule applies only to paper documents.

Answer: (C)

The Best Evidence Rule centers on proving the content of a writing by showing the original whenever possible. Duplicates are allowed to prove the same content, but only if the original is unavailable and the copy’s authenticity is established. In practice, that means you can admit a true copy (like a scanned image or a certified copy) to prove what the document says when the original can’t be produced after reasonable diligence, and you can lay a foundation that the duplicate is an accurate representation of the original. Foundations often come from witness testimony, a custodian’s certification, or a stipulation by the parties.

So, a copy may be admitted if the originals are not obtainable and the copy’s authenticity can be shown. The other statements aren’t correct because originals aren’t always required, duplicates aren’t categorically barred, and the rule covers more than just paper documents.