Conformed Copy

A duplicate of a document that includes handwritten notations of items incapable of reproduction, such as a signature, which must be inscribed upon the duplicate with the explanation that it was placed there by the person whose signature appears on the original document.

Under the best evidence rule, a conformed copy is admissible as evidence in a lawsuit when the actual document is not available because it has been lost or destroyed. It is considered secondary evidence, while the original document is primary evidence. State and FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE determine the admissibility of a conformed copy in their respective judicial proceedings.