Evidence that a document was recorded or filed in a public office as authorized by law falls under which rule?

• A. Rule 901. (b)(7)
• B. Rule 901. (b)(6)
• C. Rule 902. (2)
• D. Rule 902. (4)

Answer: (A)

Authentication is the process of showing a writing is what it is claimed to be. One reliable path is to show the document is a public record—evidence that it was recorded or filed in a public office as authorized by law. This exact wording is one of the examples listed under Rule 901 for authenticating a writing, so proving that status satisfies authentication without needing to tackle other features like handwriting or voice. In practice, you can bring testimony from a custodian or produce a certified copy or the record itself to demonstrate its public-record status.

This route differs from self-authenticating documents under Rule 902, which operate with less need for testimony because the document’s authenticity is presumed by its自e status. The scenario specifically points to proving it was recorded or filed in a public office, which aligns with Rule 901(b)(7).