Rule 1001 Definitions That Apply to This Article

This rule explains some basic terms used when documents, recordings, or photos come up as evidence in court.

A "writing" is anything with letters, words, or numbers written down in any format, whether it's on paper, a computer, or something else. A "recording" is similar, but it covers anything recorded in any way, like audio or video. A "photograph" means any photographic image, no matter how it's stored, including digital files.

The rule also explains what counts as an "original." For a written document, the original is the actual paper or file itself, or any copy that was meant to count as the real thing when it was created. For electronic information, like emails or text messages, an original can be any printout or readable version that accurately shows the information. For photos, the original includes the negative or a print made from it.

Finally, a "duplicate" is a copy made using any method, like photocopying, scanning, or photographing, as long as it accurately matches the original. This matters because courts often allow duplicates to be used as evidence just like originals, as long as they are accurate copies.