Opinion ID: 1059529
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Government Records Exception

Text: Code § 8.01-390(A), [2] as it existed when this matter was heard in the trial court, stated: Copies of records of this Commonwealth, of another state, of the United States, of another country, or any political subdivision or agency of the same, other than those located in a clerk's office of a court, shall be received as prima facie evidence provided that such copies are authenticated to be true copies both by the custodian thereof and by the person to whom the custodian reports. This Code section embodies what is often referred to as the government records exception to the hearsay rule. Pursuant to this statutory exception to the hearsay rule, records and reports prepared by public officials pursuant to a duty imposed by statute, or required by the nature of their offices, are admissible as proof of the facts stated therein. Although a record or report may qualify as a public document, the hearsay objection is overcome only if the document relates facts or events within the personal knowledge and observation of the recording official to which he could testify should he be called as a witness. Taylor v. Maritime Overseas Corp., 224 Va. 562, 565, 299 S.E.2d 340, 341 (1983) (citations and internal quotations omitted). It is abundantly clear that Exhibit 1 was not prepared by a public official and does not reflect facts or events within the personal knowledge and observation of the recording official. Exhibit 1 was prepared by a representative of Eastates and file with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Accordingly, Exhibit 1 was not admissible under Cod § 8.01-390.