Answer to Question #19

A client asks for certification of a copy of a document containing images and text in a language the JP does not understand. What is the appropriate course of action?

1. Refuse, as JPs can only certify copies of documents they can fully comprehend.
2. Advise the client to have the document translated before seeking certification.
3. Proceed with certification after comparing the original and copy for visual accuracy.
4. Contact the receiving agency to confirm if they accept copies certified under these circumstances.

Answer C.  Rationale: Compare as many features of the original and the copy as you can until you are sure the copy is a true copy.

Where possible, it may help to hold both items to the light (one behind the other) to compare their features. (Ministerial manual p29)