A document bearing a seal purporting to be the seal of the United States or a state and a signature purporting to be execution or attestation is self-authenticating under which rule?

A document bearing a seal purporting to be the seal of the United States or a state and a signature purporting to be execution or attestation is self-authenticating under which rule?

• A. Rule 902. (1)
• B. Rule 902. (2)
• C. Rule 902. (3)
• D. Rule 901. (b)(6)

Answer: (A)

Self-authentication of government documents under seal. A document that bears the official seal of the United States or a state and includes a signature indicating execution or attestation is considered authentic on its face, so it can be admitted without extrinsic proof under Rule 902(1). The seal from a government entity plus the proper signature signals the document’s legitimacy, removing the need for additional testimony about its authenticity. The other options point to different self-authenticating categories or to authentication concepts outside this specific government-seal scenario, so they don’t apply in this case.

Self-authentication of government documents under seal. A document that bears the official seal of the United States or a state and includes a signature indicating execution or attestation is considered authentic on its face, so it can be admitted without extrinsic proof under Rule 902(1). The seal from a government entity plus the proper signature signals the document’s legitimacy, removing the need for additional testimony about its authenticity. The other options point to different self-authenticating categories or to authentication concepts outside this specific government-seal scenario, so they don’t apply in this case.