What is the function of Rule 1006 about summaries?

• A. A party may use a summary to prove the content of voluminous writings when originals are impractical to inspect.
• B. Summaries are never allowed to prove content of voluminous writings.
• C. The rule requires the original writings to always be produced before a summary can be used.
• D. A summary may be used only to prove unrelated facts, not content.

Answer: (A)

Rule 1006 lets you prove the content of voluminous writings by using a summary when producing the originals would be impractical. This rule is about efficiency and practicality: instead of admitting long documents in full, you can present a concise summary that covers their substance, while keeping the actual originals available for inspection if needed. The key is that the underlying material remains accessible so the accuracy of the summary can be checked, which balances usefulness with reliability. The purpose is to prove the content of those long writings, not to prove unrelated facts, and it does not require always producing the originals—only that they be available for examination when appropriate.