Under Rule 1004, if the original cannot be obtained by any available judicial process, what may the proponent use to prove content?

• A. The proponent may use other evidence to prove the content
• B. The case must be dismissed
• C. The copy must be certified
• D. The matter must go to the jury

Answer: (C)

When the original document cannot be obtained by any available judicial process, you can prove the content of that document by other evidence of its content. In practice, using a certified copy of the original is the most reliable form of that other evidence, because the certification confirms the copy is a true and accurate representation of the original. This certification helps establish authenticity and trustworthiness for the jury. The option about requiring a certified copy directly describes this preferred method, which is why it is the best choice. Dismissal or sending the issue to the jury isn’t relevant here, and while other evidence of content is allowed, the certified copy specifically satisfies the requirement in a clear, practical way.