In a County Court in the UK can you use a copy for evidence if you can't find the original document?

Question

In a County Court in the UK can you use a copy for evidence if you can't find the original document?

Answer 1

As with all things, it depends.

It is very rare in courts that the original of a document is produced unless there is some query or challenge as to it's authenticity or content.

The exceptions are affidavits, certain leases and personal guarantees.

So unless the document to which you refer is challenged as to it's authenticity, it is not necessary to produce the original.  If the other side need you to produce the original, they have the mechanism to do so.

If you can't find the original you can give evidence that this is a true copy and unaltered.  The court will then give that evidence such weight as it deems fit.

All contrary answers are no doubt well intentioned, but wrong.

Answer 2

NO,

A copy can be altered with tip ex and re copyed hence why they request original documents.

Answer 3

Only in very exceptional circumstances, in which case you would have to produce documentary evidence of the existence of the lost document giving proof of its contents.  

Answer 4

Courts obviously usually prefer original documents but even these have to be produced by someone who can give evidence as to their authenticity Even orginal documents can be challenged if someone alleges they are not what they appear to be.Likewise copy documents.