Proof of documents by primary evidence

Documents must normally be proved by producing the original document as primary evidence in court. Copies or other secondary evidence are not acceptable unless the law later provides specific exceptions. This rule applies whenever a party wants to rely on a document to prove facts.

Priya sues for unpaid rent and files a photocopy of the lease with the court. The court will require the original lease as primary evidence; the photocopy cannot prove the lease unless one of the law's specified exceptions applies.