Filling in my N400 and I am surprised to see that the document checklist asks for ORIGINALs in certain cases.

I have always sent photocopies of the certified or originals with the N-400 and advised the client to bring the originals to the interview. USCIS does not want the originals with the N-400.

You can request additional court certified copies via mail, and the usual turnaround time is about one month. That said, it would most likely not be a problem if you submit copies and bring the originals with you to the interview.

While documents do get lost from time to time, USCIS is typically organized. You can send copies with the N-400. You must be prepared to receive a Request for Additional Evidence asking for the original dispositions at which time you will need to produce then or have the case denied do to abandonment. If you submit copies, you must bring the original documents to the interview for inspection.

You must be able to present the originals at the time of the interview, but only copies are typically filed with the application. You're right, if you send the originals, you may never see them again !