Are Scanned Documents Considered Legal?

I decided to make this my first post asthis is the most common question that I get after meeting with a potential client. Since the primary purpose of document scanning is to eliminate the paperwork, this is a very valid question. After pouring through several legal documents, I came across a white paper from G12 Systems that puts the answer to this question in plain terms. Here is what it says:

In the United States, two uniform laws clearly establish the basis for admitting records maintained on document imaging systems into evidence: The Uniform Rules of Evidence [US 128-0060-00 to 0170-00] and The Uniform Photographic Copies of Business and Public Records as Evidence Act (UPA) [US 1128-0020-00]. Both laws would admit duplicate records into evidence if they accuratley reproduce the original. The document imaging technology is a duplication technology similar to photocopies, microfilm and facsimile. The four best-known reproduction techniques-photocopy, microfilm, facsimile and electronic image management or document imaging-exhibit the same three characteristics.

Image Capture. A photographic, scanning or other process to identify and capture the image of the original document.

Image Manipulation. A photographic, electronic, photo static or other process that transforms the captured image into a format for storing and reproducing the image.

Visible Reproduction. A photographic, photo static, print, or other process that converts the manipulated image into visible form. A document imaging system, for example, utilizes and electronic scanner for image recognition, computer software, memory and optical disk storage for image manipulation and graphic terminals and laser printers to make the image visible. A document imaging system is therefore similar to other reproduction technologies.

A document imaging system, for example, utilizes and electronic scanner for image recognition, computer software, memory and optical disk storage for image manipulation and graphic terminals and laser printers to make the image visible. A document imaging system is therefore similar to other reproduction technologies.