What type of proof is necessary to authenticate a document?

To authenticate a document, the necessary proof is a showing that is sufficient for a jury to find the document genuine. This means that the burden of proof lies with the party wishing to use the document as evidence. They must provide enough evidence to convince the jury that the document is what it purports to be, which can include testimony, circumstantial evidence, or any other materials that establish its authenticity.

This approach ensures that documents can be verified through various means, allowing the fact-finder to make an informed decision about their credibility. While the involvement of the signing party or a notarized copy can provide support for authenticity, they are not strictly necessary for establishing genuineness. Instead, it is the overall proof offered that determines whether a jury can make a finding on the document's authenticity.