Evidence Lecture - Impeachment and Rules of Evidence

Flashcards focusing on key terms and concepts related to rules of evidence and impeachment in legal contexts.

Rule 609 (a)

Impeachment by Evidence of a Criminal Conviction, applicable for serious crimes or crimes of dishonesty.

Probative Value

The ability of a piece of evidence to prove something relevant in a legal case.

Prejudicial Effect

The potential negative impact that certain evidence might have on a jury's perception or the fairness of a trial.

Impeachment

The process of calling into question the credibility of a witness.

Bias

A predisposition or prejudice towards a party which can affect the witness's testimony.

Rule 403

A rule stating that relevant evidence may be excluded if its probative value is outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.

Extrinsic Evidence

Evidence that is not gathered from the testimony of a witness but from other sources.

General Admissibility

A standard stating that relevant evidence is admissible unless ruled otherwise by higher laws or rules.

Cross-Examination

The questioning of a witness by the opposing party during a trial.

608(b)

A rule that bars the use of extrinsic evidence to impeach a witness's character based on specific instances.