---
title: "Authentication"
type: Legal Term
source: https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/authentication
---

# Authentication

Authentication under Federal Rule of Evidence 901 requires the proponent of evidence to produce evidence sufficient to support a finding that the item is what the proponent claims it is. This is a low threshold — the proponent need only make a prima facie showing. Methods of authentication include testimony of a witness with knowledge, expert comparison, distinctive characteristics, voice identification, and the reply letter doctrine. Self-authenticating documents (FRE 902) do not require extrinsic evidence of authenticity.

## Related Terms

- best-evidence-rule
- relevance
- expert-witness

## Related Cases


## Example

A party seeks to introduce an email as evidence. Authentication can be established by the testimony of a recipient who recognized the sender's email address and writing style.

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Source: [Authentication — CaseBriefly](https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/authentication)