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Simple English definitions for legal terms

ancient document rule

Read a random definition: federal question

A quick definition of ancient document rule:

The ancient document rule is a way to prove that a document is real and can be used as evidence in court. If a document is more than 20 years old, looks normal, and is found in a place where it should be, then it is considered real and can be used in court. This rule also applies to old documents that have information that someone said but are not in court to say it themselves. However, the document must be proven to be real and made before 1998 to be used in court.

A more thorough explanation:

The ancient document rule is a way to prove the authenticity of evidence in court. According to this rule, if a document is:

  1. More than 20 years old
  2. Looks normal and hasn't been changed
  3. Found in a place where it would be expected to be found

Then the document is considered to be authentic and can be used as evidence in court.

For example, let's say a lawyer wants to use a letter that was written by someone who has since passed away. If the letter is more than 20 years old, looks normal, and was found in a place where it would be expected to be found (like in the person's old desk), then it can be used as evidence in court.

The ancient document rule can also be used as a hearsay exception under Federal Rule of Evidence 803 (16). This means that if a document is more than 20 years old and was created before 1998, it can be used as evidence even if it contains hearsay (secondhand information).

For example, let's say a lawyer wants to use a diary entry from someone who has since passed away. If the diary entry is more than 20 years old, was created before 1998, and was found in a place where it would be expected to be found (like in the person's old bedroom), then it can be used as evidence in court even if it contains hearsay.

Overall, the ancient document rule is a way to prove the authenticity of old documents in court, making them admissible as evidence.

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18:49
thank you my little crow friend
Dkk
18:50
Med law easy done
medicine is a scam
join the ethically ambiguous legal field instead
Dkk
18:57
I want to meet an attorney that defends clients who run into flat earth problems. I want an attorney that knows and believes in flat earth theory.
19:05
i want a flat earther for president. i want a guy who posts on 4chan for president. i want someone who mogs for president.
Dkk
19:18
Exactly. My version of that awful poem.
Dkk
19:19
I can accept a president with maybe one or two of the poems traits hut good God, all of them??? No ty.
windyMagician
19:20
president who respects sex is crazy
windyMagician
19:20
we had bill clinton already
Dkk
19:21
Bill Clinton, first and last black president
windyMagician
19:23
I want to go running but my leg feels weird
windyMagician
19:23
it doesn't hurt its just tingly
Dkk
19:26
It needs more alcohol. You tingle when your nerves need watering.
19:27
try stretching it maybe to see what's up
windyMagician
19:27
stretches make me think it's just soreness
windyMagician
19:27
I'm sober lol
Dkk
19:38
Anyone else get the google notification that your LSD password has been compromised lol. LSD got hacked.
20:48
what.jpg @Dkk
CynicalOops
21:03
You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?
jackfrost11770
21:10
nope dk
CynicalOops
22:37
Calvinamala Harris
jackfrost11770
23:16
should i start using letterboxed again
Dkk
23:25
@jackfrost11770: if you want but like it aint for me
dk do u ever eat at bk
Dkk
23:48
@chickenburgahfart: I would do that in the Army if really desperate for food or if I had to work through lunch. One of the few fast food places I go to.
bk so slept on
Dkk
0:23
I will take In N Out everyday over it when I can though.
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