Rule 69.604. Custody of Exhibits; Special Provisions

(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 no larger than 8-1/2 x 11 inches is entered into the record.

(2) A Proponent who provides a reduced copy of an oversized Exhibit shall be responsible for ensuring that the reproduced document is clear and capable of further reproduction or transfer to digital media.

(b) Photographs.

(1) A Proponent who offers into evidence a photograph shall elect to provide the custodian with the original or a copy of the photograph (no larger in size than 8-1/2 x 11 inches) that will be entered into the record.

(2) A Proponent who provides a reduced copy of an oversized photograph shall be responsible for ensuring 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 of the Exhibit is entered into the record.

(2) If the Exhibit is bulky, oversized or otherwise physically impractical for the Custodian to maintain, the Custodian may direct the Proponent to maintain custody of the Exhibit and be responsible for securing it during the Court Proceeding.

(d) Non-documentary Exhibits; Weapons, Contraband, Hazardous Materials.

(1) In any Court Proceeding in which weapons, cash, other items of value, drugs, or other dangerous materials are offered into evidence, such Exhibits shall be

(a) secured by the Custodian while the Court Proceeding is in session;

(b) secured during breaks and recesses by Court security staff; and

(c) prohibited from viewing in the jury room, if applicable. The Court may direct alternative viewing arrangements for such Exhibits upon the request of the jury upon request.

(2) During the Court Proceeding, the Custodian shall exercise all appropriate safeguards necessary to protect the public based on the nature of the Exhibit.

(e) Use of Digital Media . If a Proponent offers into evidence an Exhibit in a digital format, it must be transferred to the Custodian in a format acceptable to and accessible by the Custodian and Court.

(f) Duplicates . If the authenticity of an Exhibit is at issue, the Court may direct that the original item, and not a duplicate, be entered into the record.