A duplicate is admissible to the same extent as an original under this rule or as may otherwise be provided by statute unless:
§ 3003.Admissibility of Duplicates
Chapter 40: Oklahoma Evidence Code · Last amended November 1, 2002 · Last verified August 3, 2026
In one sentenceMakes a duplicate admissible to the same extent as an original unless a genuine question is raised about the original's authenticity or admitting the duplicate instead would be unfair under the circumstances.
Full Text of § 3003
1. A genuine question is raised as to the authenticity of the original; or
2. In the circumstances it would be unfair to admit the duplicate in lieu of the original.
Amendment History
Laws 1978, SB 276, c. 285, § 1003, eff. 10/1/1978; Amended by Laws 2002, HB 1939, c. 468, §67, eff. 11/1/2002.
Plain-English Summary
Section 3003 puts duplicates on equal footing with originals, subject to two exceptions. A duplicate loses that equal status if a genuine question is raised about the authenticity of the original it copies, or if the circumstances make it unfair to admit the duplicate in the original's place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a copy of a document be used in place of the original?
Yes, a duplicate is admissible to the same extent as an original, unless one of the two exceptions applies.
What can defeat a duplicate's admissibility under this section?
A genuine question about the authenticity of the original, or circumstances making it unfair to admit the duplicate instead.
Who decides whether it would be unfair to use a duplicate instead of the original?
The statute doesn't set a further standard beyond "the circumstances," leaving that call to the court.
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
Also known as: admissibility of copies oklahoma evidence12 O.S. § 3003FRE 1003 oklahoma equivalentusing a duplicate instead of original document oklahoma