What does the Best Evidence Rule stipulate regarding documents introduced in court?

The Best Evidence Rule is a legal principle that emphasizes the importance of presenting the original document in court when it is available. This rule is grounded in the idea that original documents are the most reliable evidence of the content they contain. If an original document is not available, only then is a copy admissible, but this typically comes with certain conditions.

In practice, the Best Evidence Rule helps to prevent alterations or misinterpretations that could occur with copies or secondary representations of documents. It establishes a hierarchy of evidence, prioritizing original documents to maintain the integrity and reliability of the evidence presented in legal proceedings.

This principle also addresses concerns related to authenticity and accuracy, ensuring that what is being submitted as evidence can be verified as the true record. Therefore, when discussing the types of documents that can be introduced in court, it is understood that the original document must be provided unless it is unattainable due to specific circumstances.