EXHIBIT 5



February 12, 2004

The Reynolds and Reynolds Company
One Reynolds Way
Dayton, Ohio 45430

Re: Opinion of counsel as to the legality of Class A Common Shares to
be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on Form S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is furnished in connection with the registration by The Reynolds
and Reynolds Company (the "Company"), pursuant to a registration statement on
Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, of 550,000 Class A Common Shares, no par value, (the "Shares") which
are to be offered and sold by the Company through its 2004 REYShare Plus Plan
(200,000 Class A Common Shares) and 2004 Executive Stock Incentive Plan (350,000
Class A Common Shares) (each, a "Plan").

As General Counsel of the Company, I am familiar with the affairs of the Company
and upon my examination of the law and pertinent documents, I am of the opinion
that the Shares, when issued and sold pursuant to the respective Plan, will be
legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable Class A Common Shares of the
Company.

I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement with
respect to the Shares.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Douglas M. Ventura

Douglas M. Ventura
Vice President, Corporate and Business
Development, General Counsel and Secretary