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HomeEvidence CodeDiv. 11Ch. 1Art. 2§ 1421 Writing Authentication Evidence

§ 1421 Writing Authentication Evidence

Evidence Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1421 Writing Authentication Evidence

Key Takeaways

  • •If a note or letter talks about stuff only one person would know, it can help prove that person wrote it.
  • •This is used to show that a document is real and not fake.
  • •It’s like when you get a secret message that only your best friend would know about.

Example

You find a handwritten note saying, 'Remember the time we got lost at the fair and ate cotton candy under the big oak tree?'

If only you and your friend know about that secret moment, the note can help prove your friend wrote it.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1421 Writing Authentication Evidence

A writing may be authenticated by evidence that the writing refers to or states matters that are unlikely to be known to anyone other than the person who is claimed by the proponent of the evidence to be the author of the writing. (Enacted by Stats. 1965, Ch. 299.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

authenticatedwritingunlikely to be knownauthor

Related Statutes

  • § 1420 Writing Authentication Evidence
  • § 1410 Authentication Of Writings
  • § 1410.5 Graffiti Evidence Admissibility
  • § 1411 Witness Testimony Not Required
  • § 1412 Witness Testimony Authentication Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Evidence Code. Section 1421.
View Official Source