What is the first step to admit a document or other item into evidence?

What is the first step to admit a document or other item into evidence?

• A. Show the document to opposing counsel.
• B. Hand the document to the witness.
• C. Say, 'Your Honor, I'd like to mark this document for identification.'
• D. Do you recognize this document?

Answer: (C)

The first step is to mark the document for identification. Saying to the judge, “Your Honor, I’d like to mark this document for identification” starts the formal process of creating an exhibit and assigns it a place in the record. This identification helps preserve the document’s integrity and sets up the sequence for authentication, foundation, and eventual offer into evidence. Showing the document to opposing counsel, handing it to the witness, or asking the witness to recognize it all come after the item has been properly identified and is being laid into evidence, so they don’t initiate or substitute for the formal identification step.

The first step is to mark the document for identification. Saying to the judge, “Your Honor, I’d like to mark this document for identification” starts the formal process of creating an exhibit and assigns it a place in the record. This identification helps preserve the document’s integrity and sets up the sequence for authentication, foundation, and eventual offer into evidence. Showing the document to opposing counsel, handing it to the witness, or asking the witness to recognize it all come after the item has been properly identified and is being laid into evidence, so they don’t initiate or substitute for the formal identification step.