Rules of Evidence: A Practical Approach

Vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes covering key concepts related to rules of evidence.

Character Evidence

Evidence of past acts used to prove that a person acted in a certain way.

Probative Value

The value or strength of a fact in proving what the party seeks to establish.

Prejudice

The potential for a piece of proposed evidence to be misused or given too much weight by the trier of fact.

Admissible

Evidence that is allowed to be considered by a jury.

Good Character Evidence

Evidence that shows a person's general reputation as being good, which can be introduced by an accused.

Similar Fact Evidence

Evidence that shows that an accused committed similar offences in the past, relevant to establishing an important matter.

Expert Opinion

Evidence given by a witness with specialized knowledge to help the trier of fact understand the evidence.

Mohan Factors

Criteria for the admissibility of expert evidence: relevance, necessity, qualifications, and absence of exclusionary rule.

Hired Gun Syndrome

A bias in expert witness testimony, when the expert adapts their evidence to fit the needs of the party that called them.

Prior Statements

Testimonies given by a witness about statements made previously consistent with current testimony.

Rape Shield Provisions

Legal provisions that forbid the admission of evidence regarding a complainant's sexual history in sexual assault cases.

Third-Party Character Evidence

Evidence relating to the character of a witness who is not a party in a criminal trial.