Authentication Defined and Explained
An attestation made by a proper officer, by which he certifies that a record is in due form of law.4 min read
An attestation made by a proper officer, by which he certifies that a record is in due form of law, and that the person who certifies it is the officer appointed by law to do so.
Authentication and the Constitution
The U.S.Constitution, Art. IV s. I, declares, 'Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records and judicial proceedings of every other state. And congress may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such acts,, records and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof.' The object of the authentication is to supply all other proof of the record. The laws of the United States have provided a mode of authentication of public records and office papers; these acts are here transcribed.