158. Evidence of certain public documents

158. Evidence of certain public documents

(1) If-

(a) a public document, or a certified copy of a public document, of another State or a Territory is admissible for a purpose in that State or Territory under the law of that State or Territory; and

(b) it purports to be sealed, or signed and sealed, or signed alone, as directed by the law of that State or Territory-

it is admissible in evidence to the same extent and for that purpose in all Victorian courts-

(c) without proof of-

(i) the seal or signature; or

(ii) the official character of the person appearing to have signed it; and

(d) without further proof in every case in which the original document could have been received in evidence.

(2) A public document of another State or a Territory that is admissible in evidence for any purpose in that State or Territory under the law of that State or Territory without proof of-

(a) the seal or signature authenticating the document; or

(b) the judicial or official character of the person appearing to have signed the document-

is admissible in evidence to the same extent and for any purpose in all Victorian courts without such proof.

(3) This section only applies to documents that are public records of another State or a Territory.