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In complex legal cases, attorneys often deal with large volumes of documents—bank statements, invoices, contracts, or technical records. Washington ER 1006 provides a solution by allowing these records to be summarized in court. Instead of reviewing every page, a properly prepared summary can be introduced as evidence.

What Is Washington ER 1006?

Evidence Rule 1006 in Washington allows a party to present a summary of voluminous records if the originals would be too cumbersome to review in court. The rule helps streamline trials and make information more accessible to judges and juries.

“The contents of voluminous writings, recordings, or photographs, which cannot conveniently be examined in court, may be presented in the form of a chart, summary, or calculation.”

🔗 View the full text of ER 1006 from the Washington Courts

When Can Summaries Be Used?

You can only use a summary under Washington ER 1006 if:

  • The original documents are too lengthy to review during a trial
  • The summary is based on original records or duplicates
  • The other party has had a reasonable opportunity to examine the originals
  • The summary is accurate and neutral

If these conditions are met, the court may admit the summary instead of making everyone sift through thousands of pages.

Practical Example of ER 1006

Imagine a business fraud case where thousands of pages of billing records are relevant. Instead of submitting every document, the prosecution may use a spreadsheet that summarizes total charges and discrepancies. As long as the underlying records are made available, this approach is admissible under ER 1006.

Limits of ER 1006

Washington ER 1006 doesn’t allow just any chart or summary. The court may reject a summary if:

  • It is biased or misleading
  • The opposing party did not get access to the original documents
  • It attempts to replace disputed or key evidence

Summaries are tools—not substitutes for critical or disputed documents.

How Washington ER 1006 Helps in Litigation

The rule saves time and reduces confusion in court. Instead of overwhelming a jury with stacks of paper, it allows lawyers to explain patterns or trends using charts or summaries. This is especially helpful in cases involving financial records, technical data, or business operations.

Properly using ER 1006 shows professionalism, preparation, and respect for the court’s time.

Blanford Law Can Help With Evidence Strategy

At Blanford Law, we help clients present strong, clear cases—especially when complex evidence is involved. Whether you’re involved in litigation in Pierce County, Kittitas County, or statewide, we understand how to use rules like Washington ER 1006 to your advantage.

📧 Email: ken@blanfordlaw.com
📞 Call: 253-720-9304

We simplify complex cases—and fight to win them.

Additional Resources

For more guidance on Washington law, including DUI rights, moving violations, bail bond procedures, and evidence rules, explore these helpful articles from Blanford Law:

🚔 Criminal Law, DUI, and Traffic Violations

💰 Bail Bonds and Court Procedure

📄 Rules of Evidence and Legal Protections

🔹 Washington ER 502 – Legal Confidentiality and Privileged Communications
Summary: Explains attorney-client privilege and how waiver affects litigation strategy.

🔹 Washington ER 1007 – Written or Oral Admissions as Evidence
Summary: Learn how a party’s own statements can be used to prove document contents in court.

🔹 Washington ER 1004 – Admissibility of Other Evidence When Originals Are Unavailable
Summary: Understand when secondary evidence is permitted if originals are lost or destroyed.