R.I. R. Evid. 901

(a) General

Provision. The requirement of authentication or identification as a condition

precedent to admissibility is satisfied by evidence sufficient to support a finding that

the matter in question is what its proponent claims.

(b) Illustrations. By way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation, the

following are examples of authentication or identification conforming with the

requirements of this rule:

(1) Testimony of Witness With Knowledge. Testimony that a matter is what it is

claimed to be.

(2) Nonexpert Opinion on Handwriting. Nonexpert opinion as to the genuineness

of handwriting, based upon familiarity not acquired for purposes of the litigation.

(3) Comparison by Trier or Expert Witness. Comparison by the trier of fact or by

expert witnesses with specimens which have been authenticated.

(4) Distinctive Characteristics and the Like. Appearance, contents, substance,

internal patterns, or other distinctive characteristics, taken in conjunction with

circumstances.

(5) Voice Identification. Identification of a voice, whether heard firsthand or

through mechanical or electronic transmission or recording, by opinion based upon

hearing the voice at any time under circumstances connecting it with the alleged

speaker.

(6) Telephone Conversations. Telephone conversations, by evidence that a call

was made to the number assigned at the time by the telephone company to a

particular person or business, if (A) in the case of a person, circumstances, including

self-identification, show the person answering to be the one called, or (B) in the case

of a business, the call was made to a place of business and the conversation related

to business reasonably transacted over the telephone.

(7) Public Records or Reports. Evidence that a writing authorized by law to be

recorded or filed and in fact recorded or filed in a public office, or a purported public

record, report, statement, or data compilation, in any form, is from the public office

where items of this nature are kept.

(8) Ancient Documents or Data Compilation. Evidence that a document or data

compilation, in any form, (A) is in such condition as to create no suspicion

concerning its authenticity, (B) was in a place where it, if authentic, would likely be,

and (C) has been in existence 20 years or more at the time it is offered.

(9) Process or System. Evidence describing a process or system used to produce

a result and showing that the process or system produces an accurate result.

(10) Methods Provided by Statute or Rule. Any method of authentication or

identification provided by any statute or rule of the United States or Rhode Island

prescribed pursuant to statutory or constitutional authority.