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Federal Evidence • Documentary Evidence
EVID#108
Legal Definition
Any document at least 20 years old, in a condition that creates no suspicion about its authenticity, and found in a place where such a document would likely be kept, is considered an ancient document and deemed authenticated.
Plain English Explanation
Think of the ancient documents rule like an old family recipe passed down for generations - it's trusted because it's been around for so long. It's also unlikely that 20 years ago, someone lied in the record for the purpose of manipulating a court case 2 decades later. Thus, in Federal court, any paper that's 20 years or older, in a condition that creates no suspicion about its authenticity, and found in a place where such a document would likely be kept, gets this kind of trust. It's assumed to be real or authentic. This rule is handy because, after so many years, proving a document is genuine can be really tough. It's like giving the benefit of the doubt to old documents in legal matters, making things simpler when dealing with really old papers.
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