Question

A federal employee filed a complaint alleging that the employee's employer engaged in national origin discrimination. The federal agency agreed and granted the employer 60 days from receipt of the agency's decision to accept or reject the decision. The employer issued its rejection 72 days after the agency decision and the employee sued in federal court. The employer argued that its rejection was timely because it received the agency decision 15 days after it was issued. At trial, the employer moved to admit a photocopy of the EEOC decision with a partially smeared date stamp to prove the date of receipt. The employee objected, arguing that the duplicate violated the best evidence rule. Should the court admit the evidence?

Answer 1

No, the court should not admit the photocopy of the EEOC decision as evidence. The duplicate violates the best evidence rule, which requires the original document to be presented when available, and the employer has not shown sufficient justification for not providing the original.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best evidence rule is a legal principle that requires the original document to be presented as evidence when available. In this case, the employer seeks to admit a photocopy of the EEOC decision with a partially smeared date stamp to prove the date of receipt. The employee rightly objects, asserting that the duplicate violates the best evidence rule. The employer, as the proponent of the evidence, has the burden to show why the original document cannot be produced. While the employer argues that it received the agency decision 15 days after it was issued, this does not absolve them from providing the original document.

The best evidence rule aims to ensure the accuracy and reliability of evidence presented in court. A photocopy with a partially smeared date stamp introduces uncertainty and raises questions about the authenticity of the document. The employer could provide a valid explanation for the delay and present the original document, but failing to do so weakens the probative value of the evidence. Therefore, the court should uphold the best evidence rule and exclude the photocopy from admission.

In legal proceedings, the best evidence rule is crucial for maintaining the integrity of evidence and promoting fairness. By adhering to this rule, the court ensures that parties rely on the most accurate and reliable evidence, contributing to the just resolution of disputes. In this case, the court should prioritize the original EEOC decision to establish the precise date of receipt and maintain the standards of evidentiary reliability.