Article 4 - Relevance and Its Limits

Question 1

Rule 401 - Test for Relevant Evidence

Answer 1

Evidence is relevant if:

(a) it has any tendency to make a fact more or less probable than it would be without the evidence; and
(b) the fact is of consequence in determining the action.

Question 2

Rule 402 - General Admissibility of Relevant Evidence

Answer 2

Relevant evidence is admissible unless any of the following provides otherwise:

    the United States Constitution;
    a federal statute;
    these rules; or
    other rules prescribed by the Supreme Court.

Irrelevant evidence is not admissible.

Question 3

Rule 403 – Excluding Relevant Evidence for Prejudice, Confusion, Waste of Time, or Other Reasons

Answer 3

The court may exclude relevant evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by a danger of one or more of the following: unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, misleading the jury, undue delay, wasting time, or needlessly presenting cumulative evidence.