West Virginia Code 57-5-12 – Certain documents deemed duplicates
A reproduction of a document acquired from the employment of a system of microphotography, optical discs or computerized techniques which system does not permit additions, deletions or changes to the record of the original document contained within the system shall be deemed to be a duplicate for purposes of admission into evidence in the courts of this state.
Terms Used In West Virginia Code 57-5-12
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- State: when applied to a part of the United States and not restricted by the context, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories, and the words "United States" also include the said district and territories. See West Virginia Code 2-2-10
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
A reproduction deemed a duplicate pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be authenticated by competent testimony or by an attestation which shall recite the type of recording system employed, that such system does not permit additions, deletions or changes to the record and that the attestant has actual knowledge of the aforementioned facts.
The provisions of this section shall be construed to provide an additional method of qualifying original writings or recordings and duplicates thereof as admissible in evidence, and shall not replace or derogate any other methods set forth elsewhere in this code or provided for in the West Virginia rules of evidence as adopted by the Supreme Court of Appeals.