See also: DEEDS; MORTGAGES
OFFICIAL RECORDS AND REPORTS.

Hearsay Exception

Documents which are recorded in a public office by private parties, such as U.C.C. financing statements, deeds or mortgages are admissible under a hearsay exception for recorded instruments.{footnote}FRE 803(14).  {/footnote}  They are generally offered though certified copies, and are thus self-authenticating.  See OFFICIAL RECORDS AND REPORTS.  

Judicial Notice

Judicial notice may also be taken of the contents of recorded instruments.{footnote}Reiner v. Washington Plate Glass Co., 711 F.2d 414 (D.C. Cir. 1983); Haye v. United States, 461 F. Supp. 1168 (C.D. Cal. 1978).{/footnote}