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

Rule 1005. Copies of Public Records to Prove Content

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

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The proponent may use a copy to prove the content of an official record—or of a document that was recorded or filed in a public office as authorized by law—if these conditions are met: the record or document is otherwise admissible; and the copy is certified as correct in accordance with Rule 902(4) or is testified to be correct by a witness who has compared it with the original. If no such copy can be obtained by reasonable diligence, then the proponent may use other evidence to prove the content.

(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.