Opinion ID: 2426456
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: Xerox CopiesBest Evidence

Text: In his final contest regarding the legality of evidence in this case, Judge Bates contends the xeroxed copies of the hundred dollar bills was inadmissible because the copies do not constitute the best evidence available. He does not contend that the xeroxed copies are incorrect but complains only that there is better evidence available. The originals of the hundred dollar bills were returned to the loaning institution and apparently have been returned to circulation. Article 3731c, [12] permits the admission of these xeroxed copies if the original was produced, or reasonably accounted for, or there is no bona fide dispute as to the accuracy of the reproduction. We find no dispute at all as to the accuracy of these reproductions, and further it appears that the originals have been reasonably accounted for. The Examiner carefully traced the chain of custody as to these bills. The policy reasons behind the best evidence rule are satisfied; the secondary evidence here is of equal probative value as the originals, there is no reasonable fear of fraud, and keeping the originals from circulation and causing a State agency to pay interest is a reasonable excuse for their absence. [13]