Rules of Evidence

401

defines relevant evidence as any evidence that makes a fact more or less probable than it would be without the evidence. This rule establishes the standard for determining the relevance of evidence in legal proceedings.

402

states that irrelevant evidence is not admissible in court. This rule reinforces the importance of relevance in the evaluation of evidence during legal proceedings.

403

allows the court to exclude relevant evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion, or misleading the jury.

404

addresses the admissibility of character evidence, stating that such evidence is generally not admissible to prove a person's conduct on a particular occasion. However, it outlines exceptions where character evidence may be admissible, particularly in criminal cases.

405

governs the admissibility of character evidence, allowing it to be proven through reputation or opinion testimony, and in some cases, specific instances of conduct.

407

prohibits the use of subsequent remedial measures as evidence to prove negligence or culpable conduct, but allows such evidence for other purposes, such as proving ownership or control.

408

addresses the admissibility of compromise offers and negotiations, stating that evidence of such negotiations is generally not admissible to prove liability or the amount of a disputed claim.

409

prohibits the admissibility of offers to pay medical expenses or similar benefits as evidence of liability.

410

prohibits the admissibility of pleas, offers of plea bargains, and statements made during plea negotiations in criminal cases to prove guilt.

501

provides a general rule regarding the admissibility of privileges in legal proceedings, stating that common law governs the privileges unless modified by statute.

503

addresses the attorney-client privilege, protecting communications between a lawyer and their client from disclosure.

601

concerns the competency of witnesses, establishing that every person is competent to testify unless otherwise provided by law.

602

addresses the competence of witnesses regarding personal knowledge of the matter they are testifying about, requiring that a witness must have perceived the matter through their senses.

603

requires that witnesses take an oath or affirmation before testifying, ensuring they will provide truthful testimony.

604

Interpreter must be qualified and give an affirmation to make a true translation.

605

prohibits a judge from testifying in a case they are presiding over, ensuring impartiality in the proceedings.

606

a juror may not testify as a witness before other jurors in a trial or about deliberations, but may provide testimony about external influences that may have affected the jury's decision.

611

addresses the scope and manner of witness examination, allowing for the questioning of witnesses to ensure relevant and reliable information is presented.

612

allows for the introduction of a witness's prior statement for the purpose of refreshing their memory or for impeachment purposes, ensuring the integrity of witness testimony.

615

permits the court to exclude witnesses from the courtroom to prevent them from hearing the testimony of other witnesses, thereby ensuring the integrity of the trial process.

901

Proponent must produce sufficient evidence to support a finding that the item is what the proponent claims it is: testimony, distinctive characteristicsor other evidence must establish authenticity.

902

provides a list of documents and evidence that are self-authenticating and do not require extrinsic evidence to be admitted in court, such as public records and official publications.

1001

defines terms related to the definitions of "writing," "recording," and "photograph" as used in the Federal Rules of Evidence, clarifying their meanings in legal contexts.

1002

known as the "Best Evidence Rule," requires that to prove the content of a writing, recording, or photograph, the original document must be produced, unless an exception applies.

1003

allows for the admissibility of duplicates of original documents unless there is a genuine question as to the original's authenticity or it would be unfair to admit the duplicate.

1004

A provision in the Federal Rules of Evidence that allows for the admission of other evidence of the content of a writing, etc. when the original document is unavailable. It ensures that relevant evidence is not excluded solely due to the absence of an original document.

1007

permits the use of testimony or a written statement of a party to prove the content of a writing when the original is lost or destroyed.