Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 49, December 7, 2024
Rule 5103 - Custody of Exhibits. Special Provisions(a)Documentary Exhibits.(1) If a proponent offers into evidence an exhibit such as a letter, report, drawing, map, photograph, or other document that is larger in size than 8-1/2 x 11 inches, the proponent shall ensure that a copy of the document reduced to 8-1/2 x 11 inches (or smaller) is entered into the record.(2) A proponent who provides a reduced copy of an oversized exhibit shall ensure that the reproduced document is clear and capable of further reproduction or transfer to digital media.(b)Photographs.(1) If a proponent offers into evidence a photograph, the proponent shall ensure that the original or a copy of the photograph in lieu of the original (no larger in size than 8-1/2 x 11 inches) is entered into the record.(2) A proponent who provides a copy of a photograph shall ensure that the reproduced document is clear and capable of further reproduction or transfer to digital media.(c)Non-documentary Exhibits: Generally.(1) If a proponent offers into evidence a non-documentary exhibit, the proponent shall ensure that a photograph (no larger in size than 8-1/2 x 11 inches) of the exhibit is entered into the record in lieu of the non-documentary exhibit.(2) A proponent who provides a photograph of a non-documentary exhibit shall ensure that the photograph is clear and capable of further reproduction or transfer to digital media.(3) If the exhibit is bulky, oversized or otherwise physically impractical for a court staff-custodian to maintain, the court staff-custodian may direct that the proponent offering the exhibit maintain custody of it and secure it during the court proceeding.(d)Non-documentary Exhibits: Weapons, Contraband, Hazardous Materials.(1) In any proceeding in which weapons, cash, other items of value, drugs, or other dangerous materials are offered into evidence, the proponent shall secure the exhibits while the court proceeding is in session, as well as during all breaks and recesses.(2) During the proceeding, the proponent shall exercise all appropriate safeguards necessary to protect the public based on the nature of the exhibit.(3) Exhibits comprised of weapons, cash, other items of value, drugs, or other dangerous materials are prohibited from viewing in the jury room. The court may direct alternative viewing arrangements for such exhibits upon the request of the jury.(e)Use of Digital Media. A proponent shall ensure that an exhibit in a digital format entered into the record is in a format acceptable to the court.(f)Duplicates. The court may direct that the original item, and not a duplicate, be entered into the record.Adopted by Pennsylvania Bulletin, Vol 53, No. 38. September 23, 2023, effective 1/1/2024