Opinion ID: 2625926
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Historical Background of Subscribing Witness Statute

Text: ¶ 17 Section 57-2-10 of the Utah Code establishes a hierarchy of admissible evidence for proving the execution of an instrument affecting real property. Utah Code Ann. § 57-2-10 (2000). It requires that a subscribing witness, if available, testify to establish proof of execution. In the event a subscribing witness is unavailable, it allows the use of handwriting evidence to prove execution. Id. § 57-2-10(2). This hierarchy is reinforced by section 57-2-14, which prohibits handwriting evidence when a subscribing witness is available. Id. § 57-2-14. The order of proof found in section 57-2-10 has been essentially untouched for over 125 years. Compare 1876 Utah Laws 638, with Utah Code Ann. § 57-2-10 (2000). ¶ 18 Despite the stability of sections 57-2-10 and -14, the requirements for a validly executed conveyance of real estate have changed. In 1876, a valid conveyance required the signatures of the grantor or an agent and one or more credible witnesses. 1876 Utah Laws 617. This requirement had disappeared by 1888. 1888 Utah Laws 3916. Although the requirement for a subscribing witness to deeds to real property has disappeared, subscribing witnesses, where present, remain the preferred method of proving due execution of a deed.