Opinion ID: 1443072
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Authenticity of Evidence

Text: The authentication and identification of evidence is controlled by Delaware Uniform Rules of Evidence 901. [2] In general, [t]he requirement of authentication or identification as a condition precedent to admissibility is satisfied by evidence sufficient to support a finding that the matter in question is what its proponent claims. [3] Subsection (b) of Rule 901 [b]y way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation . . . [lists] examples of authentication or identification conforming with the requirements of this rule. Three of those separate examples are pertinent in this appeal. Under D.R.E. 901(b)(1), one way to authenticate evidence is by offering the testimony of someone with knowledge that a matter is what it is claimed to be. When the matter is a letter, D.R.E. 901(b)(2) states that that the letter can be authenticated by a [n]on-expert opinion as to the genuineness of the handwriting, based upon familiarity not acquired for the purposes of the litigation. Under D.R.E. 901(b)(4) a matter can be authenticated by distinctive characteristics, such as [a]ppearance, contents, substance, internal patterns or other distinctive characteristics, taken in conjunction with circumstances.