For purposes of this Code:
§ 3001.Definitions
Chapter 40: Oklahoma Evidence Code · Last amended November 1, 2002 · Last verified August 3, 2026
In one sentenceDefines "writings and recordings," "photographs," "original," "duplicate," "image," and "record" for the Oklahoma Evidence Code's best-evidence article, including computer printouts and other electronic output as originals when shown to reflect the underlying data accurately.
Full Text of § 3001
1. "Writings" and "recordings" means letters, words, or numbers, or their equivalent, inscribed on a tangible medium or stored in an electronic or other machine and retrievable in perceivable form by handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing, mechanical or electronic recording, or other technique;
2. "Photographs" mean a form of a record which consists of still photographs, stored images, x-ray films, video tapes, or motion pictures;
3. An "original" of a writing, recording, or other record means the writing, recording, or other record itself or any counterpart intended to have the same effect by a person executing or issuing it. An "original", when applied to a photograph, includes the negative or any print therefrom. The term "original" includes a print out or other perceivable output of a record of data or images stored in a computer or similar device if shown to reflect the data or images accurately;
4. A "duplicate" means a counterpart in the form of a record produced by the same impression as the original, from the same matrix, by means of photography, including enlargements and miniatures, or by mechanical or electronic rerecording, by chemical reproduction, or by another equivalent technique that accurately reproduce the original;
5. "Image" means a form of a record which consists of a digitized copy or image of information; and
6. "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
Amendment History
Added by Laws 1978, SB 276, c. 285, § 1001, eff. 10/1/1978; Amended by Laws 1992, SB 373, c. 222, § 1, eff. 9/1/1992; Amended by Laws 1995, SB 401, c. 135, § 1, eff. 11/1/1995; Amended by Laws 2002, HB 1939, c. 468, §65, eff. 11/1/2002.
Plain-English Summary
Section 3001 supplies the vocabulary for the article governing proof of a record's contents. "Writings" and "recordings" reach letters, words, or numbers on any tangible medium or stored electronically and retrievable in perceivable form, however they were made. "Photographs" cover still images, stored images, x-rays, video, and motion pictures. "Record" is the broadest term, covering information inscribed on a tangible medium or stored electronically and retrievable in perceivable form.
The "original" of a record is the record itself or any counterpart a person executing or issuing it intended to have the same effect -- for a photograph, that includes the negative or any print from it, and for computer-stored data or images, it includes any printout or other perceivable output shown to reflect that data accurately. A "duplicate" is a counterpart produced by the same impression, from the same matrix, or by another technique that accurately reproduces the original, while an "image" means a digitized copy of information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a computer printout count as an "original" record?
Yes, if it's shown to reflect the underlying computer-stored data or images accurately.
What's the difference between an "original" and a "duplicate" under this section?
An original is the record itself or a counterpart intended to have the same effect as it; a duplicate is a counterpart produced from the same matrix or impression, or by an equivalent accurate reproduction technique.
Does the negative of a photograph count as an original?
Yes, the definition of "original" specifically includes the negative, or any print made from it.
What counts as a "record" under this article?
Information inscribed on a tangible medium or stored in an electronic or other medium and retrievable in perceivable form.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Last verified August 3, 2026.
· Official source
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