Legal Definitions - test paper

A test paper is a written document that has been proven to be genuine and is used as a standard to determine the authenticity of other writings. For example, in a court case, a test paper may be presented as evidence to prove the authenticity of other documents.

The court must first determine the test paper's authenticity before it can be used as evidence. This can be done through direct evidence, such as a witness who saw the writing being created, or through strong circumstantial evidence.

For instance, if a person is accused of forging a signature on a document, a test paper with the genuine signature may be presented as evidence to prove that the accused signature is not authentic.

In Pennsylvania, a paper or instrument shown to the jury as evidence is still called a test paper.