Under the best evidence rule, which statement is usually required to prove contents?

• A. Hearsay testimony.
• B. Oral statements alone prove contents.
• C. The original writing or recording is usually required to prove contents, unless a legally recognized exception applies.
• D. A modern digital image is always sufficient.

Answer: (C)

Proving the contents of a writing is best done with the actual original document or recording. This rule exists to prevent misrepresentation that can come from relying on memory, summaries, or copies. The original writing or recording is usually required to prove its contents, unless a legally recognized exception applies. Those exceptions cover situations where the original is lost, destroyed, or cannot be obtained by reasonable means, in which case a copy or other reliable evidence may be used. Duplicates are generally admissible unless there’s a genuine question about their authenticity. A modern digital image isn’t automatically sufficient by itself because it may need authentication and might not reflect all details or metadata of the original.