What is the function of Rule 1003 regarding duplicates?

• A. Duplicates automatically replace the original.
• B. Duplicates are never admissible.
• C. Duplicates may be admitted as evidence of the original's contents unless a genuine question exists about authenticity or fairness.
• D. Duplicates must be signed by the author.

Answer: (C)

Duplicates may be admitted to prove the contents of an original to the same extent as the original, unless there is a genuine question about the original’s authenticity or its fairness. This means courts generally accept a true copy in place of the original because it preserves the content while avoiding needless handling of the original item. If someone raises a real doubt about whether the copy accurately reflects the original or about whether relying on the copy would be unfair, the rule allows the issue to be confronted and the original may be required or other protections applied.

For example, a photocopy of a contract can be used to prove what the contract says, but if a party argues that the copy is not genuine or that relying on it would mislead the court, the rule’s exception applies. The copy need not be signed by the author; certification or authentication can be provided in other ways, and a duplicate’s admissibility relies on the content the copy conveys rather than on the copy’s signature.