Federal Rules of Evidence · Article X. Contents of Writings, Recordings, and Photographs

Rule 1001. Definitions That Apply to This Article

Federal Rules of Evidence, official text as in effect December 1, 2024.

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In this article:

(a) A "writing" consists of letters, words, numbers, or their equivalent set down in any form.

(b) A "recording" consists of letters, words, numbers, or their equivalent recorded in any manner.

(c) A "photograph" means a photographic image or its equivalent stored in any form.

(d) An "original" of a writing or recording means the writing or recording itself or any counterpart intended to have the same effect by the person who executed or issued it. For electronically stored information, "original" means any printout—or other output readable by sight—if it accurately reflects the information. An "original" of a photograph includes the negative or a print from it.

(e) A "duplicate" means a counterpart produced by a mechanical, photographic, chemical, electronic, or other equivalent process or technique that accurately reproduces the original.

(As amended Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Source: Federal Rules of Evidence, December 1, 2024, Administrative Office of the United States Courts, uscourts.gov.

This page reproduces the official text of the Federal Rules of Evidence for reference. It is not legal advice and adds no commentary. It does not replace the official publication, local rules, or the law that applies in your court. Check the current official text before relying on it.