What is the preferred method to authenticate a business record?

The preferred method to authenticate a business record is to have the records custodian testify to its validity. This method is supported by rules of evidence that require authenticating documents through a witness familiar with the record, particularly its creation and maintenance. Here, the records custodian is typically an individual who has knowledge of the record-keeping practices of the business, thus providing a foundation for the record's reliability.

When a records custodian testifies, they can affirm that the record was made in the ordinary course of business, that it was kept in such a manner that it is regularly relied upon by the organization, and that the manner of its creation complies with the business's standard practices. This provides the necessary evidentiary support to prove that the document is what it purports to be.

Other options may not provide the same level of reliability or credibility needed for authentication. For instance, a verbal agreement from all parties doesn't meet evidentiary standards because it lacks documentation and formal verification. Submitting a written certification without prior notice can also be ineffective, as it may not allow for the opportunity to challenge or verify the circumstances around the record's creation or the custodian's authority. Lastly, while using an online database for verification can be useful, it often