Trial Decisions—Best Evidence Rule

The best evidence rule provides that the original of a "writing, recording, or photograph" is required to prove the contents thereof.  M. R. Evid. 1002.

We review evidentiary rulings for abuse of discretion (See, e.g., State v. Weeks, 270 Mont. 63, 75, 891 P.2d 477, 484 (1995))—but have never ruled on the standard for the Best Evidence Rule, specifically.