To authenticate a documentary item not in written form, which of the following is required?

• A. A sworn affidavit by the maker
• B. The reasonable suspicion of authenticity
• C. Reasonable authentication by someone with knowledge linking it to its source
• D. The original writing

Answer: (C)

The main concept is establishing authenticity for items not in writing by showing reasonable authentication from someone who has knowledge and can link the item to its source. For non-written documentary items, a person with firsthand knowledge must testify or provide evidence tying the item to its origin, so the court can conclude it is what it is claimed to be and came from the claimed source. This goes beyond mere suspicion and does not require the maker’s sworn affidavit, nor does it rely on an original writing.