法律英语术语选粹(14): best evidence rule
术语释义
a rule requiring parties to proffer the original writing, recording, or photograph when attempting to prove the contents thereof. However, a duplicate is admissible in place of an original unless there is a genuine question about the authenticity of the original, or it would be unfair under the circumstances of the case to admit the duplicate instead of the original. Also, an original is not required if it is lost or destroyed, if it cannot be obtained through a subpoena, if it is in the possession of the opposing party, and if the original is not closely related to a controlling issue in the case.
最佳证据规则
背景知识
最佳证据规则又称“原始文书规则”,认为原始文字材料作为证据,其效力优于它的复制品,因而是最佳的。美国诉讼法中,对于待证事实的证明仅能提出最佳证据。有最佳证据存在,就不能提出次要证据。在文书的情形下,仅以原件为最佳证据,而且最具有证据效力。因此,仅在不能取得原件且不可归责于举证人时,才例外地允许提出影印件作为证据。在此等限制下,电磁记录与电子文件由于非属亲笔签名之书面文件,不符合原件之要求,故不能作为证据提出。最佳证据规则曾是最重要、最广泛适用的规则,对案件事实有着直接的确定力。然而,随着电子信息时代的到来与迅猛发展,美国的相关法律也在进一步调整,现已经承认电子文件的证据效力。