MRE 803(12) - Marriage, Baptismal, and Similar Certificates Provides admissible into evidence of a certificate executed by a qualified person (clergyman) that the person performed a marriage or similar ceremony Trustworthiness - these are solemn occasions and the official was under a duty perform the service MRE 803(13) - Family Records Family history recorded in Bibles, inscribed on tombstones, engraved on rings, printed on genealogical charts or record in several other ways Must authenticate the record (establish as being genuine) Someone (a family member) must testify that this is a genuine family record MRE 803(14) - Records of Documents Affecting an Interest in Property Deeds, deed of trust, lease or other document affecting a property interest must be recorded in the public office A certified copy of the public record, properly authenticated, will be admissible ENTIRE document must be relevant to an issue within the case MRE 803(15) - Statements in Documents Affecting an Interest in Property Occasionally a document (like a warranty deed) will contain recitals of facts that are not necessary to effectuate the purpose of the instrument I.e., grantors are all of the heirs at law of the last owner (now deceased) of the property conveyed in the deed Such statements are admissible to prove the truth of the assertions they contain Entire document DOES NOT HAVE TO BE RELEVANT, just the statement you would like to admit into evidence MRE 803(16) - Statements in Ancient Documents Rule 901(b)(8) - Authentication for Ancient Documents Unsuspicious on its face Found in a place where, if genuine, it likely would be At least 20 years old What is covered? Most writings - Letters, diaries, maps, contacts, certificates, and instruments of title (5th Cir. 1961) Dallas County v. Commercial Union Assurance Co. Two Requirements for admissibility of ancient document after it has been authenticated Necessity Does not require absolute impossibility or total inaccessibility of first-hand knowledge Trustworthiness
MRE 803(12) - Marriage, Baptismal, and Similar Certificates Provides admissible into evidence of a certificate executed by a qualified person (clergyman) that the person performed a marriage or similar ceremony Trustworthiness - these are solemn occasions and the official was under a duty perform the service MRE 803(13) - Family Records Family history recorded in Bibles, inscribed on tombstones, engraved on rings, printed on genealogical charts or record in several other ways Must authenticate the record (establish as being genuine) Someone (a family member) must testify that this is a genuine family record MRE 803(14) - Records of Documents Affecting an Interest in Property Deeds, deed of trust, lease or other document affecting a property interest must be recorded in the public office A certified copy of the public record, properly authenticated, will be admissible ENTIRE document must be relevant to an issue within the case MRE 803(15) - Statements in Documents Affecting an Interest in Property Occasionally a document (like a warranty deed) will contain recitals of facts that are not necessary to effectuate the purpose of the instrument I.e., grantors are all of the heirs at law of the last owner (now deceased) of the property conveyed in the deed Such statements are admissible to prove the truth of the assertions they contain Entire document DOES NOT HAVE TO BE RELEVANT, just the statement you would like to admit into evidence MRE 803(16) - Statements in Ancient Documents Rule 901(b)(8) - Authentication for Ancient Documents Unsuspicious on its face Found in a place where, if genuine, it likely would be At least 20 years old What is covered? Most writings - Letters, diaries, maps, contacts, certificates, and instruments of title Dallas County v. Commercial Union Assurance Co. (5th Cir. 1961) Two Requirements for admissibility of ancient document after it has been authenticated Necessity Does not require absolute impossibility or total inaccessibility of first-hand knowledge Trustworthiness