Pennsylvania Code
Title 201 - RULES OF JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
Chapter 51 - CUSTODY OF EXHIBITS IN COURT PROCEEDINGS
Rule 5103 - Custody of Exhibits. Special Provisions
Universal Citation: 201 PA Code ยง 5103
Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024
(a) Documentary Exhibits.
(1) If a proponent offers into evidence an
exhibit such as a letter, report, drawing, map, photograph, or other document
that is larger in size than 8-1/2 x 11 inches, the proponent shall ensure that
a copy of the document reduced to 8-1/2 x 11 inches (or smaller) is entered
into the record.
(2) A proponent
who provides a reduced copy of an oversized exhibit shall ensure that the
reproduced document is clear and capable of further reproduction or transfer to
digital media.
(b) Photographs.
(1) If a
proponent offers into evidence a photograph, the proponent shall ensure that
the original or a copy of the photograph in lieu of the original (no larger in
size than 8-1/2 x 11 inches) is entered into the record.
(2) A proponent who provides a copy of a
photograph shall ensure that the reproduced document is clear and capable of
further reproduction or transfer to digital media.
(c) Non-documentary Exhibits: Generally.
(1) If a proponent offers
into evidence a non-documentary exhibit, the proponent shall ensure that a
photograph (no larger in size than 8-1/2 x 11 inches) of the exhibit is entered
into the record in lieu of the non-documentary exhibit.
(2) A proponent who provides a photograph of
a non-documentary exhibit shall ensure that the photograph is clear and capable
of further reproduction or transfer to digital media.
(3) If the exhibit is bulky, oversized or
otherwise physically impractical for a court staff-custodian to maintain, the
court staff-custodian may direct that the proponent offering the exhibit
maintain custody of it and secure it during the court proceeding.
(d) Non-documentary Exhibits: Weapons, Contraband, Hazardous Materials.
(1) In any proceeding in which weapons, cash,
other items of value, drugs, or other dangerous materials are offered into
evidence, the proponent shall secure the exhibits while the court proceeding is
in session, as well as during all breaks and recesses.
(2) During the proceeding, the proponent
shall exercise all appropriate safeguards necessary to protect the public based
on the nature of the exhibit.
(3)
Exhibits comprised of weapons, cash, other items of value, drugs, or other
dangerous materials are prohibited from viewing in the jury room. The court may
direct alternative viewing arrangements for such exhibits upon the request of
the jury.
(e) Use of Digital Media. A proponent shall ensure that an exhibit in a digital format entered into the record is in a format acceptable to the court.
(f) Duplicates. The court may direct that the original item, and not a duplicate, be entered into the record.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Pennsylvania may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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