---
title: O.C.G.A. § 24-10-1001. Definitions.
collection: code
id: 24-10-1001
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 24-10-1001 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/24-10-1001
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/24-10-1001.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/24-10-1001/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t24-ch8-14-(v20a)-2023-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=560fbfc0_0#page=406
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
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publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
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current_through: Including Acts of the 2025 Regular Session of the General Assembly
heading_path: EVIDENCE / BEST EVIDENCE RULE
---

# O.C.G.A. § 24-10-1001. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the term:

(1) “Writing” or “recording” means letters, words, or numbers, or their equivalent, set down by handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, magnetic impulse, or mechanical or electronic recording or other form of data compilation.

(2) “Photograph” includes still photographs, X-ray films, video recordings, and motion pictures.

(3) “Original” means the writing or recording itself or any counterpart intended to have the same effect by a person executing or issuing it. An original of a photograph includes the negative or any print therefrom. If data are stored in a computer or similar device, any printout or other output readable by sight, shown to reflect the data accurately, is an original.

(4) “Duplicate” means a counterpart produced by the same impression as the original or from the same matrix or by means of photography, including enlargements and miniatures, or by mechanical or electronic rerecording, chemical reproduction, or other equivalent techniques which accurately reproduce the original.

(5) “Public record” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 24-8-801.

## History

Code 1981, § 24-10-1001, enacted by Ga. L. 2011, p. 99, § 2/HB 24.

## Cross References

Definitions that apply to article, Fed. R. Evid. 1001.

## Law Reviews

For comment on Mitchell v. United States, 214 Ga. 473, 105 S.E.2d 337 (1958), see 21 Ga. B.J. 553 (1959).

For note discussing the possible uses of video tape and its admissibility as evidence, see 5 Ga. St. B.J. 393 (1969).

For article, “The Best Evidence Rule Made Better: A Glimpse into Georgia’s New Evidence Code,” see 19 Ga. St. B.J. 12 (Aug. 2013).

For annual survey on evidence law, see 66 Mercer L. Rev. 81 (2014).