What does the best evidence rule state?

The best evidence rule, which is a fundamental principle in evidence law, asserts that when a party seeks to prove the contents of a writing, recording, or photograph, they must present the original document unless an exception applies. This rule emphasizes that the original document provides the most reliable form of evidence regarding its content, thus ensuring accuracy and preventing misunderstandings or misinterpretations that could arise from secondary sources, such as copies or oral testimony.

In the context of this question, the correct choice highlights that if the terms or contents of a document are material to the case at hand, the original must be presented as evidence. This requirement aligns with the purpose of the best evidence rule, which is to safeguard the integrity of the evidence presented in court and to uphold the interests of justice by minimizing the risk of inaccuracies.

The other options either overly generalize the application of the rule or misstate its requirements—either suggesting that testimony can substitute the original or that secondary evidence is automatically admissible without restrictions. The correct choice accurately captures the essence of the best evidence rule and the necessity of presenting the original when the document's terms are significant to the legal issue being adjudicated.