Which rule governs proving the contents of a writing by introducing the original writing?

• A. Interrogatories
• B. Hearsay
• C. Authentication
• D. Best Evidence Rule

Answer: (D)

Proving the contents of a writing is governed by the Best Evidence Rule. This rule requires presenting the original writing (or a true duplicate) when the contents are at issue, so the court isn’t left to rely on secondhand testimony about what the document says. The original provides the exact terms, signatures, and details, reducing the risk of misrepresentation. Duplicates are generally admissible unless a genuine question is raised about authenticity or the original’s integrity. If the original is lost or destroyed or cannot be obtained, other evidence may be allowed under exceptions. Interrogatories are discovery tools, hearsay concerns out-of-court statements offered for truth, and authentication is about showing a writing is what it purports to be; none of these directly govern proving contents by introducing the original, which is the focus of the Best Evidence Rule.