What is considered the best form of evidence according to the "best evidence rule"?

The "best evidence rule" is a legal principle that dictates parties must present the original version of a document or the highest available quality of evidence when trying to prove the contents of that document. The rationale behind this rule is to ensure reliability and authenticity in evidence presented in court. Original documents are preferred because they provide the most direct and unaltered insight into the information being dealt with in a case, reducing the chances of inaccuracies, misinterpretations, or alterations that might occur in reproductions or secondary evidence.

While testimonies from experts can provide valuable insight, they do not replace the need for original documents. Reproductions of documents, even if certified, may not be as credible as the original, and document summaries, though informative, lack the detailed context and specificity of the original documents. Therefore, the best choice aligns perfectly with the core intent of the best evidence rule, which is to uphold the integrity and authenticity of evidence presented in legal proceedings.