§ Sec. 24-7-25. Nonjudicial books and records of other states, how proved

Codes > Georgia Code of Evidence > Title 24. > Chapter 7. : Article 2. > Sec. 24-7-25.

§ 24-7-25. Nonjudicial books and records of other states, how proved

(a)

     (1) All nonjudicial records or books, or copies thereof, kept in any public office of any state, territory, or possession of the United States shall be proved or admitted in any court or office in this state by the attestation of the custodian of the records or books, and the seal of his office annexed, if there is a seal, together with a certificate of a judge of a court of record of the county, parish, or district in which such office may be kept, or a certificate of the governor, the secretary of state, the chancellor, or the keeper of the great seal of the state, territory, or possession that the attestation is in due form and by the proper officers.

     (2) If the certificate is given by a judge, it shall be further authenticated by the clerk or prothonotary of the court, who shall certify under his hand and the seal of his office that the judge is duly commissioned and qualified; or, if given by the governor, secretary of state, chancellor, or keeper of the great seal, the certificate shall be under the great seal of the state, territory, or possession in which it is made.

     (3) Such records or books, or copies thereof, so authenticated, shall have the same full faith and credit in every court and office within this state as they have by law or usage in the courts or offices of the state, territory, or possession from which they are taken.

(b) In lieu of the above, the nonjudicial records or books, or copies thereof, kept in any public office of any state, territory, or possession of the United States may also be proved or admitted in evidence in any court, tribunal, office, or agency in this state when certified under the hand and seal, if any, by the officer or other official having custody or possession of the original thereof and shall be given the same full faith and credit as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section.