M.R. Evid. 901

(a) In general. To satisfy the requirement of authenticating or identifying

an item of evidence, the proponent must produce evidence sufficient to

support a finding that the item is what the proponent claims it is.

(b) Examples. The following are examples only—not a complete list—of

evidence that satisfies the requirement:

(1) Testimony of a witness with knowledge. Testimony that an item is

what it is claimed to be.

(2) Nonexpert opinion about handwriting. A nonexpert’s opinion that

handwriting is genuine, based on a familiarity with it that was not

acquired for the current litigation.

(3) Comparison by an expert witness or the trier of fact. A comparison

with an authenticated specimen by an expert witness or the trier of

fact.

(4) Distinctive characteristics. The appearance, contents, substance,

internal patterns, or other distinctive characteristics of the item,

taken together with all the circumstances.

(5) Opinion about a voice. An opinion identifying a person’s voice—

whether heard firsthand or through mechanical or electronic

transmission or recording—based on hearing the voice at any time

under circumstances that connect it with the alleged speaker.

(6) Evidence about a telephone conversation. For a telephone

conversation, evidence that a call was made to the number

assigned at the time to:

(A) A particular person, if circumstances, including self-identification, show that the person answering was the one

called; or

(B) A particular business, if the call was made to a business and

the call related to business reasonably transacted over the

telephone.

(7) Evidence about public records. Evidence that:

(A) A document was recorded or filed in a public office as

authorized by law; or

(B) A purported public record or statement is from the office

where items of this kind are kept.

(8) Evidence about ancient documents or data compilations. For a

document or data compilation, evidence that it:

(A) Is in a condition that creates no suspicion about its

authenticity;

(B) Was in a place where, if authentic, it would likely be; and

(C) Is at least 20 years old when offered.

(9) Evidence about a process or system. Evidence describing a process

or system and showing that it produces an accurate result.

(10) Methods provided by a statute or rule. Any method of

authentication or identification allowed by a rule of the Maine

Supreme Judicial Court or by a statute or as provided in the Maine

Constitution.