Evidence Flashcards
Exception to where state law is applied instead of evidence law
Law of privilege in a diversity case
Except for rules relating to privilege, the Federal Rules do not apply in:
(1) the court’s determination of a preliminary question of fact relating to admissibility
(2) grand jury proceedings; and
(3) other miscellaneous proceedings, including those involving sentencing, extradition, issuing an arrest or search warrant, preliminary examination in a criminal case, bail, and probation.
Evidence is relevant if ___
it has any tendency to make the existence
of any fact of consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence.
Elements of relevance:
- Material: that is, the proposition must be “of consequence” in the case (though it does not need to be the ultimate issue); and
- Probative: meaning, the evidence has “any” tendency to make the proposition more or less likely
All relevant evidence is admissible, unless:
- It is kept out by some specific exclusionary rule of evidence that you will be learning about in subsequent modules (hearsay, privilege, public policy exclusions, etc.); or
- The court uses its Rule 403 discretion to keep it out
Rule 403
A trial judge has broad discretion to exclude relevant evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by a list of dangers
Dangers for Rule 403
- Danger of unfair prejudice (there is a danger that the jury will decide the case on an emotional basis)
- Confusion of the issues (the evidence creates a side issue)
- Misleading the jury (there is a danger that the jury will give undue weight to the evidence)
- Undue delay
- Waste of time
- Needless presentation of cumulative (repetitive) evidence
Under the Federal Rules, ____ is not a valid ground upon which to exclude relevant evidence.
unfair surpise
As a general rule, if evidence involves some time, event, or person other than _____, it is inadmissible.
that involved in the present case
Despite the general rule above (evidence relating to another event/time/person don’t survive 403), some recurring situations have produced concrete rules that may allow prior similar occurrences to be admitted, these include:
- Plaintiff’s Accident History—Prior False Claims or Same Bodily Injury
- Similar Accidents or Injuries Caused by Same Event or Condition
- Previous Similar Acts Admissible to Prove Intent
- Sales of Similar Property
- Rebutting Claim of Impossibility
- Causation
- Habit and Business Routine Evidence
- Industry Custom as Evidence of Standard of Care
Evidence that a person has previously filed similar tort claims or has been involved in prior accidents is generally inadmissible to show the invalidity of the present claim; all it demonstrates is that the person is litigious or accident-prone.. However, such evidence may be admissible if it tends to show something other than carelessness:
- Evidence that a plaintiff has made previous similar false claims is usually relevant to prove that the present claim is likely to be false.
- Evidence of prior accidents may be admissible where the cause of the plaintiff’s damages is at issue. If the plaintiff previously injured the same part of their body, the evidence may be admitted to show that the plaintiff’s condition is attributable (in whole or in
part) to the prior injury rather than the current accident.
Generally, other accidents involving the defendant are inadmissible because they merely show the defendant’s general character for carelessness. However, evidence of prior accidents or injuries caused by the same event or condition and occurring under ____ is admissible to prove:
substantially similar circumstances
(1) the existence of a dangerous condition,
(2) that the dangerous condition was the cause of the present injury, and
(3) that the defendant had notice of the dangerous condition (if the other accident occurred before the plaintiff’s accident).
Many courts are reluctant to admit evidence of the ____ of similar accidents to show absence of negligence or lack of a defect. However, evidence of the absence of complaints is admissible to
show ____
absence; the defendant’s lack of knowledge of the danger.
Similar conduct previously committed by a party may be admissible to prove ____ in the current case.
the party’s present motive or intent
Evidence of ____ is admissible to prove the property’s value. However, prices quoted in ____ generally aren’t admissible.
sales of similar personal or real property around the same time period; mere offers to purchase
The requirement that prior occurrences be similar to the litigated act may be relaxed when used to ____
rebut a claim of impossibility
Complicated issues of causation may be established by evidence concerning other ____
times, events, or persons
Habit and Business Routine Evidence
Evidence of a person’s habit (or evidence of the routine practice of an organization) is admissible as circumstantial evidence that the person (or organization) acted in accordance with the habit on the occasion at issue in the case.
Habit describes a person’s regular response to ____
a specific set of circumstances.
There are 2 defining characteristics of habit:
(1) frequency of conduct and
(2) particularity of circumstances.
As opposed to habit evidence character describes someone’s general disposition or propensity with respect to ____
general traits.
Evidence as to how others in the same trade or industry have acted in the recent past may be offered as evidence of ____.
the appropriate standard of care (to show how the party in the current case should have acted)
–> However, industry custom isn’t conclusive on this point; for example, an entire industry may be acting negligently
Public Policy Exclusions
- Liability Insurance
- Subsequent Remedial Measures
- Civil Settlements and Settlement Negotiations
- Plea Discussions
- Payments of and offers to pay medial expenses
Evidence of a party’s insurance against liability (or lack thereof) is NOT admissible to show ____
whether the party acted negligently or otherwise wrongfully (meaning, it is inadmissible to prove the party’s fault or
absence of fault).
Evidence of a party’s insurance against liability (or lack thereof) is admissible to:
- To prove ownership or control, if disputed;
- To impeach a witness (usually to show their bias); or
- As part of an admission of liability, where the reference to insurance coverage cannot be severed without lessening its probative value as an admission of liability (for example, “Don’t worry, my insurance will pay it off”)
Evidence of repairs or other precautionary measures made following an injury is NOT admissible to prove ____
negligence, culpable conduct, a defect in a product or its design, or a need for a warning or instruction.
Evidence of repairs or other precautionary measures made following an injury is admissible to:
- To prove ownership or control, if disputed;
- To rebut a claim that a precaution was not feasible; or
- To prove that the opposing party has destroyed evidence
Evidence of a compromise (settlement) or an offer to compromise a civil claim is not admissible in any case to:
(1) prove or disprove the validity or amount of a disputed claim, or
(2) impeach a witness by prior inconsistent statement or contradiction.
Conduct or statements made in the course of ____—including direct admissions of liability—are also inadmissible for these purposes [prove validity/amount of claim, impeachment].
negotiating a compromise
Evidence of settlement is admissible to impeach a witness on the ground of ___
bias.
The public policy exclusion for settlements and negotiations only kicks in if there was a claim or some indication that ____. Furthermore, the claim must have been in dispute as to
either ____
a party was going to make a claim (although the party need not have actually filed suit); (1) liability or (2) amount.
Rules, conduct or statements made during compromise negotiations regarding a civil dispute with ___ are not
excluded when offered in ____
a governmental regulatory, investigative, or enforcement authority; a criminal case.
The following are generally inadmissible in any criminal or civil case against the defendant who made the plea or participated in the discussions:
- Offers to plead guilty;
- Withdrawn guilty pleas;
- Actual pleas of nolo contendere (“no contest”); or
- Statements of fact made during any of the above plea discussions
An actual ____ plea (not withdrawn) is generally admissible in related litigation as a statement of an opposing party.
guilty
Evidence that a party has paid or offered to pay an injured person’s ___ is inadmissible to prove liability for the injury. However, unlike the situation with settlement negotiations, admissions of fact accompanying such payments and offers are ____
medical, hospital, or similar expenses; admissible.
Beware, of an offer to pay medical expenses that is also an offer to settle (for example, “I’ll pay your medical expenses if you drop the case”). In that situation, the ____ applies; meaning, any accompanying statements or conduct would be excluded along with the offer.
more restrictive rule for settlement negotiations
Character evidence refers to a person’s ____
general propensity or disposition (such as for honesty, fairness, peacefulness, violence).
Character evidence might be offered as substantive evidence (meaning, to prove a fact at issue in the case) for the following purposes:
- To prove a person’s character in the rare situation where their character is directly in issue in the case (meaning, an essential element of a claim or defense); or
- To serve as circumstantial evidence of how a person probably acted during the events of the case. This is also known as “conduct in conformity with character” or “propensity” evidence –> This purpose for offering character evidence is the focus of the federal rule
Evidence of a witness’s bad character for truthfulness might be offered for ____
impeachment purposes
Potential methods of proving character may be allowed:
- Evidence of the person’s specific acts;
- Opinion testimony of a witness who knows the person; and
- Testimony as to the person’s general reputation in the community
The ____ cannot initiate evidence of the defendant’s bad character to show conduct in conformity. However, because the defendant’s life or liberty is at stake, the ____ is permitted to introduce evidence of their own good character to show their innocence.
prosecution; defendant
If the defendant introduces evidence of their good character, then the prosecution can ____
rebut with evidence of the defendant’s bad character.
Under the Federal Rules, a character witness for the defendant may testify as to the defendant’s good reputation for a ____ and may give their ___
pertinent trait; personal opinion/rep concerning that trait of the defendant (but not specific acts!)
A defendant does not put their character in issue merely by ___
testifying
–> Taking the stand places the defendant’s credibility (as opposed to character) in issue; meaning, the prosecution is limited to offering impeachment evidence rather than substantive character evidence.
Once the defendant opens the door by introducing character evidence, the prosecution can take either or both of the following actions:
1 - The prosecution can cross-examine the defendant’s character witness regarding the basis for their testimony by asking “Have you heard?” or “Did you know?” questions about specific acts of
the defendant that show the defendant’s bad character for the trait in question
–> The permitted purpose of the cross-examination is to show the character witness’s lack of knowledge, not to prove the defendant’s bad character.
2 - The prosecution can call its own character witnesses to provide reputation or opinion testimony about the defendant’s bad character for the trait in question.
____ misconduct, including prior arrests, may be inquired about while cross examining a defendant’s character witness.
Any
While cross examining a defendant’s character witness the prosecutor is
limited to inquiry of the witness; they may not introduce any ____ of the misconduct
extrinsic evidence
Be careful to distinguish asking a character witness whether they are aware of the defendant’s prior arrests, which is ____, and impeaching a witness with the witness’s own arrests, which is ___
proper; improper
Except in sexual assault cases (see 4.3.3, below), the defendant may introduce ____ evidence of a bad character trait of the alleged ___ when it is relevant to show the defendant’s innocence.
reputation or opinion; crime victim
Although a victim’s character usually has no bearing on the defendant’s innocence, it becomes relevant when the defendant claims ____ and argues that the victim was the ____
self-defense; first aggressor.
Once the defendant has introduced evidence of a victim’s bad character for a pertinent trait (usually violence), the prosecution may rebut with reputation or opinion evidence of:
- The victim’s good character for the same trait, or
- The defendant’s bad character for the same trait
The character rules apply where evidence of the victim’s character is being offered for propensity purposes (to prove how the victim likely acted during the altercation at issue). But evidence of a victim’s character might also be offered for a non-propensity purpose—to prove the defendant’s ____
state of mind at the time of the altercation.
–> If the defendant knew at the time of the altercation that the victim had a violent reputation or had committed violent acts in the past, evidence of the victim’s reputation or acts may be admitted to prove the defendant acted reasonably in responding to the victim’s aggression
In a ____ case in which the defendant pleads self-defense, evidence of ____ that the victim was the first aggressor (for example, eyewitness testimony that the victim struck first) opens the door to evidence that the victim had ____
homicide; any kind (not just character evidence); a good character for peacefulness.
When prosecution can initiate questioning about character evidence
In a homicide case in which the defendant pleads self-defense (i.e., The prosecution can introduce this evidence regardless of whether the defendant has introduced character evidence of the victim’s generally violent propensity).
In any civil or criminal proceeding involving alleged sexual misconduct, evidence offered to prove the ____ is generally inadmissible.
sexual behavior or sexual disposition of the victim
Exceptions to inadmissibility of Rape Victim’s past behavior - criminal cases
- Specific instances of a victim’s sexual behavior are admissible to prove that someone other than the defendant is the source of semen, injury, or other physical evidence.
- Also, specific instances of sexual behavior between the victim and the defendant are admissible by the prosecution for any reason and by the defense to prove consent.
Specific instances of a victim’s sexual behavior with others are admissible to prove that ____
someone other than the defendant is the source of semen, injury, or other physical evidence.
Also, specific instances of sexual behavior between the victim and the defendant are admissible by the prosecution for ____ and by the defense to prove ____
any reason; consent.
Exception to inadmissibility of Rape Victim’s past behavior - civil cases
In a civil case, evidence of the alleged victim’s sexual behavior is admissible if it is not excluded by any other rule and its probative value substantially outweighs the danger of harm to the victim and of unfair prejudice to any party (reverse 403)
In civil rape cases evidence of an alleged victim’s reputation is admissible only if ____
it has been placed in controversy by the victim.
Character evidence in a civil case
In civil cases, character evidence is generally inadmissible to prove conduct in conformity; meaning, it cannot be offered to prove how a person probably acted during the events of the current case. This is true regardless of which party seeks to offer the evidence.
–> this applies even in a civil case based on criminal conduct
When proof of a person’s character, as a matter of substantive law, is an essential element of a claim or defense, it is said that character is “directly in issue.” This is rare, and for bar exam purposes is generally limited to:
- Defamation cases where truth is a defense (plaintiff’s character is at issue);
- Negligent hiring or entrustment cases (hired/entrusted person’s character is at issue); and
- Child custody cases (parents’ character is at issue)
When character is directly in issue, ____ forms of character evidence (reputation, opinion, and specific acts) are admissible.
all
Evidence of a person’s other ____ is generally inadmissible if offered solely to prove conduct in conformity/propensity.
crimes, wrongs, or acts
-> In other words, the evidence can’t be offered just to suggest that because the defendant tends to do bad things, they are more likely to have committed the charged crime.
Evidence of a person’s other crimes, wrongs, or acts is admissible if relevant to some issue ____ to commit the crime charged
other than their character or propensity
Non-character purposes for offering the evidence may include:
MIMIC
- Motive (for example, burning a building to hide embezzlement)
- Intent (to show guilty knowledge or lack of good faith),
- absence of Mistake or accident,
- Identity (for example, “signature” crimes/modus operandi), or
- Common plan or scheme (usually, committing one crime to prepare for another).
Even though “MIMIC evidence” is a helpful shorthand, keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list of permitted purposes. The evidence can be admitted as long as it is relevant to ____
any purpose other than the defendant’s general character or propensity to commit the charged crime.
Requirements for admission of misconduct in MIMIC-type contexts: The misconduct may be proved by any evidence, such as witness testimony, the defendant’s criminal conviction, etc. There must be _____ that the defendant
committed the other misconduct.
sufficient evidence to support a jury finding (meaning, a reasonable juror could come to this conclusion).
Requirements for admission of misconduct in MIMIC-type contexts - criminal cases
the prosecutor must provide reasonable
notice of any evidence of this type that the prosecutor intends to offer at trial.
Such notice usually must be in writing and provided in advance of trial (but the court may excuse lack of pretrial notice for good cause). The notice must articulate the non-propensity purpose for which the evidence will be offered and the reasoning that supports the purpose.
MIMIC evidence is admissible only if the defendant is ____ the non character issue (for example, identity or intent).
actually contesting
If a MIMIC category is satisfied, the prosecution may use the evidence of misconduct as part of its ___
case-in-chief.
–> In other words, because MIMIC evidence is being offered for a non-propensity purpose, it is admissible even if the defendant does not “open the door” to character evidence.
Evidence of a defendant’s other acts of sexual assault or child molestation is admissible in a criminal or civil case where the defendant is accused of committing an act of ____
sexual assault or child molestation.
–> Such evidence is relevant for any purpose, including the defendant’s propensity to commit sex crimes
DEFENDANT’S SIMILAR MISCONDUCT IN SEX-CRIME CASES: The party intending to offer this evidence must disclose it to the defendant _____ before trial (or later with good cause).
15 days
Whenever you are faced with a writing on an Evidence question, be alert to 3 potential issues:
(1) authentication,
(2) best evidence rule, and
(3) hearsay.
As a general rule, a writing or any secondary evidence of its content will not be received in evidence unless the writing is authenticated by proof that shows that the writing is ____.
what the proponent claims it is
In authenticating documents the proof must be ____
sufficient to support a jury finding of genuineness (that is, a reasonable juror could conclude that the writing is genuine).
Parties may admit the genuineness of a document by ____. A document can also be authenticated by other evidence.
the pleadings or by stipulation
Evidence that may properly authenticate a document:
- Opponent’s admission
- Eyewitness testimony
- Handwriitng verifications
- Ancient docukments
- Reply letter doctrine
- Photographs and Videos
- X-Ray Pictures, Electrocardiograms, Etc.
A writing can be authenticated by evidence that the party against whom it is offered has either _____
admitted its authenticity or acted upon it
as authentic.
A writing can be authenticated by testimony of anyone who ____. The testimony can be from anyone; it doesn’t have to be from a subscribing witness unless required by statute.
saw it executed or heard it acknowledged
A writing can be authenticated by evidence that the maker’s handwriting is genuine. This evidence may be in the form of:
- The opinion of a lay witness (non-expert) who has familiarity with the alleged writer’s handwriting in the course of normal affairs (not acquired for purposes of the current litigation)
- The opinion of an expert who has compared the writing to samples of the alleged writer’s handwriting (can be in preparation for litigation); or
- The fact-finder’s (jury’s) comparison of the writing to samples of the alleged writer’s handwriting
Where a lay witness authenticates handwriting the knowledge must be acquired
in the course of normal affairs (not acquired for purposes of the current litigation)
An “ancient” document can be authenticated by evidence that it:
- Is at least 20 years old when offered into evidence;
- Is in a condition that creates no suspicion as to authenticity; and
- Was found in a place where such a writing would likely be kept
Note that while documents may be authenticated if they are at least
_____, the related hearsay exception for ancient documents will only apply if the document was prepared ____
20 years old; before 1998
Reply Letter Doctrine
A writing can be authenticated by evidence that it was written in response to a communication sent to the alleged author.
Generally, photographs and videos are admissible only if identified by a witness as a portrayal of _____ and verified by the witness as a ____ of those facts
certain facts relevant to the issue; fair and accurate representation
Ordinarily, it is not necessary to call the photographer to authenticate the photograph or video; a witness familiar with ____ is sufficient.
the scene, object, or person
If a photograph or video is taken when no person who could authenticate the scene is present, the photograph or video may be admitted upon a showing that ___
the camera was properly operating at the relevant time and that the photograph or video was downloaded from that camera or developed from film obtained from that camera.
To authenticate an X-ray it must be
shown that ____
the process used is accurate, the machine was in working order, and the operator was qualified to operate it, finally, a custodial chain must be established to assure that the X-ray has not been tampered with.
When a statement is admissible only if said by a particular person (for example, as a statement by an opposing party), authentication as to ____ is required.
the identity of the speaker
A voice can be identified by the opinion of ____ who has heard the voice at ____, including after litigation has begun and for the sole purpose of testifying.
anyone; any time
Statements made during a telephone conversation can be authenticated by any party to the call who testifies that:
(1) they recognized the other party’s voice;
(2) the speaker had knowledge of certain
facts that only a particular person would have;
(3) they called a particular person’s number and a voice answered as that person or that person’s residence; or
(4) they called a business and talked with the person answering the phone about matters relevant to the business.
Self-Authenticating Documents
- Domestic public documents bearing a seal, and similar official foreign public documents;
- Official publications (such as a government pamphlet);
- Certified copies of public records or private records on file in a public office;
- Newspapers and periodicals;
- Trade inscriptions and labels;
- Acknowledged (notarized) documents;
- Commercial paper (including signatures thereon) and related documents; and
- Business records, electronically generated records, and data copied
from an electronic device, if the records are certified and the proponent gives the adverse party reasonable written notice and an opportunity for inspection
Best Evidence Rule
To prove the content of a writing, recording, or photograph (defined broadly to include videos, X-rays, and any tangible collection of data; we’ll use “writing” as shorthand going forward), the original writing must be produced if the terms of the writing are material
Secondary evidence of a writing, such as oral testimony, is admissible only if the proponent provides ____
a satisfactory excuse for the original’s absence.
When does the best evidence rule apply
- Where the writing is a legally operative or dispositive instrument (that is, the writing itself creates rights and obligations); or
- Where the knowledge of a witness concerning a fact results from having read it in the writing
When does the best evidence rule NOT apply
The rule does not apply where the witness has personal knowledge of the fact to be proved, even if the fact happens to also be recorded in a writing.
-> Oral testimony of the fact may be given without producing the original writing that recorded the event.
The term original for the BER means:
The writing itself or any counterpart that is intended by the person executing it to have the same effect as an original. This
includes the negative of a photograph or any print of it, or the printout or other readable output of electronically stored information.
The term duplicate for the BER means:
An exact copy of an original made by mechanical means (for example, a photocopy or carbon copy).
Under the BER duplicates are admissible to the same extent as originals, unless:
(1) the circumstances make it unfair to admit the duplicate, or
(2) a genuine question is raised about the authenticity of the original.
It is important to distinguish photocopies and copies made by hand. Photocopies are ____ and, thus, are usually treated the same as originals. In contrast, handwritten copies are considered ____ and are admissible only if the original or a duplicate is unavailable.
duplicates; secondary evidence
Valid excuses justifying the admissibility of secondary evidence (under the BER) include:
- Loss or destruction of the original, unless the proponent lost or destroyed the original in bad faith.
- The original cannot be obtained by any available judicial process.
- The original is in the possession of an adversary who, after due notice, fails to produce the original
If there is a valid excuse, the Federal Rules permit a party to prove
the contents of a writing by ____ of secondary evidence.
any type (such as handwritten copies, notes, oral testimony, etc.).
-> One type ofsecondary evidence is not preferred over the other.
Exceptions to Best Evidence Rule
- Summaries of Voluminous Records
- Certified Public Records
- Writing Is Collateral to Litigated Issue
- Testimony or Written Admission of Opponent
When it would be inconvenient to examine a voluminous collection of records in court, the proponent may ____. However, the proponent must make the originals or duplicates ____, and the court may order the proponent to produce the records in court
present their contents in the form of a chart or summary; available for inspection or copying
The BER does not apply to copies of public records that are _____
certified as correct or testified to as correct.
The BER does not apply where the writing is of ____ to the matter in controversy.
minor importance (that is, collateral)
Where the opponent (meaning, the party against whom the writing is being offered) has given testimony, a deposition, or a written admission about the writing’s contents, the proponent may ____ and need not give an excuse for non-production of the original.
use this evidence
Ordinarily, it is for the court to make determinations of fact regarding admissibility of duplicates, other copies, and oral testimony as to the contents of an original. However, the Federal Rules reserve the following questions of preliminary fact for the jury:
- Whether the original ever existed;
- Whether a writing produced at trial is an original; and
- Whether the evidence offered correctly reflects the contents of the original
Real evidence must be relevant and meet the following legal requirements:
- Authentication
- Condition of Object
The real object must be identified as what the proponent claims it to be, either by:
- Testimony of a witness that they recognize the object as what the proponent claims it is (for example, witness testifies that a gun is the one found at the crime scene); or
- Evidence that the object has been held in a substantially unbroken chain of possession (for example, blood taken for blood-alcohol test)
To authenticate real evidence the proof must be ____
sufficient to support a jury finding of genuineness (that is, a reasonable juror could conclude that the
object is what the proponent claims it to be).
If the condition of the real object is significant, it must be shown to be in ____ condition at trial.
substantially the same
Particular Types of Real Evidence (beyond things directly use/relevant to the crime)
- Reproductions and Explanatory Real Evidence
- Maps, Charts, Models, Etc.
- Demonstrations
- Exhibition of Injuries
- Jury View of the Scene
++ While the evidence below is often admissible, remember that the court still has discretion to exclude it under Rule 403 if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, waste of time, etc.
Relevant photographs, diagrams, maps, or other reproductions are generally admissible. Items used entirely for explanatory purposes are permitted at a trial, but are usually not ____
admitted into evidence (meaning, they are not given to the jury during its deliberations).
Maps, charts, models, etc., are usually admissible for the purpose of illustrating testimony, but must be authenticated by testimonial evidence that they are ____
faithful reproductions of the object or thing depicted.
The court, in its discretion, may permit experiments or demonstrations to be performed in the courtroom. An experiment must be ____ to those attending the original event. Demonstrations of bodily injury may not
be allowed where the demonstrations would ____.
performed under conditions that are substantially similar
unduly traumatize the injury
Exhibition of injuries in a personal injury or criminal case is generally ____,
permitted, but remember that the court has discretion to exclude this evidence for unfair prejudice.
The trial court has ____ to permit the jury to view places at issue in the case. The ____ are relevant considerations here.
discretion; need for the view and changes in the condition of the premises following the events at issue in the case
Witnesses must pass tests of basic reliability to establish their competency to give testimony, but they are generally ____ until the contrary is established.
presumed to be competent
The Rules do not specify any mental or moral qualifications for witness testimony beyond these 2 limitations:
- There must be evidence sufficient to support a finding that the witness has personal knowledge of the matter about which they are to testify (note that proof of personal knowledge may consist
of the witness’s own testimony); and - The witness must give an oath or affirmation to testify truthfully
The competency of a child depends on the ____ as determined by the trial judge.
capacity and intelligence of the particular child
An insane person may testify, provided they understand the obligation to ___ and have the capacity to ____
speak truthfully; testify accurately.
The ____ judge may not testify as a witness. Likewise, ___ are incompetent to testify before the jury in which they are sitting.
presiding; jurors
During an inquiry into the validity of a verdict or indictment, a juror is generally prohibited from testifying about ____, and the court may not receive evidence of a juror’s statement on such matter
what occurred during deliberations or about anything that may have affected a juror’s vote
A juror may testify as to:
- Whether any extraneous prejudicial information was improperly brought to the jury’s attention;
- Whether any outside influence was improperly brought to bear on any juror;
- Whether there is a mistake on the verdict form; or
- Whether any juror made a clear statement that they relied on racial stereotypes or animus to convict a criminal defendant.
–> Not every comment indicating racial bias will qualify; the court must find that racial animus was a significant motivating factor in the juror’s vote to convict.
Ordinarily, a witness is not disqualified merely because they have an interest in the outcome of the litigation. However, some states have what are known as “Dead Man Acts.”___
“Dead Man Acts.”
“Dead Man Acts.”
These statutes provide that in a civil case, an interested person (or their predecessor in interest) is incompetent to testify to a personal transaction or communication with a deceased, when such testimony is offered against the representative or successors in interest of the deceased.
-> A person is “interested” if they stand to gain or lose by the judgment, or if the judgment may be used for or against them in a subsequent action.
The Federal Rules state that the judge should exercise ____ in order to aid the ascertainment of truth, to avoid wasting time, and to protect witnesses from harassment.
reasonable control over the examination of witnesses
- Several rule apply, but keep in mind that the judge ultimately has discretion to control the questioning.
Leading questions (questions that suggest the desired answer) are
generally allowed only on ____
cross examination and are not permitted on direct examination.
The court will ordinarily allow leading questions on direct examination in the following circumstances:
- To elicit preliminary or introductory matter;
- When the witness needs help responding because of loss of memory, immaturity, or physical or mental weakness; or
- When the witness is hostile, an adverse party, or a witness affiliated with an adverse party
Cross-examination is generally limited to:
- The scope of direct examination, including all reasonable inferences that may be drawn from it, and
- Matters that test the credibility of the witness (the permitted methods of impeachment are covered in the Impeachment module)
Improper Questions
Questions that are misleading (cannot be answered without making an unintended admission), compound (requiring a single answer to more than one question), argumentative, conclusionary, cumulative, unduly harassing or embarrassing, call for a narrative answer or speculation, or assume facts not in evidence are improper and are not permitted.
Improper Answers
Answers that lack foundation (the witness has insufficient personal knowledge) and answers that are nonresponsive (do not answer the specific question asked) may be stricken.
As a general rule, a witness cannot read their testimony from a prepared memorandum; they must testify on the basis of ____
their current recollection.
A witness may use any writing or object for the purpose of refreshing their present recollection. They usually may not ____ while testifying because the writing is not authenticated and not in evidence (and thus, there is no hearsay concern).
read from the writing (should be set aside once memory is refreshed)
Whenever a witness has used a writing to refresh their memory while on the stand, an adverse party is entitled to:
- Have the writing produced at trial;
- Cross-examine the witness about the writing; and
- Introduce portions of the writing relating to the witness’s testimony into evidence
If the witness refreshed their memory before taking the stand, an adverse party is entitled to the above options (produced at trial, cross about it, introduce into evidence) only if ____
the court decides that justice requires it.
In a criminal case, if the prosecution fails to produce or deliver a writing used to refresh memory as ordered, the judge must ____—and, if justice requires, ____.
When the defense or a party in a civil case fails to comply, the judge has more discretion and can ____
strike the witness’s testimony; declare a mistrial
issue “any appropriate order.”
Where a witness states that they have insufficient recollection of an event to enable them to testify fully and accurately, even after they have consulted a memorandum or other record given to them on the stand, the record itself may be ____
read into evidence if a proper foundation is laid.
The foundation for a past recorded recollection must include proof that:
- The witness has insufficient recollection to testify fully and accurately (that is, showing the document to the witness fails to jog their memory);
- The witness had personal knowledge of the facts in the record when the record was made;
- The record was made by the witness or under their direction, or it was adopted by the witness;
- The record was made when the matter was fresh in the witness’s mind; and
- The record accurately reflects the witness’s knowledge.
Although the past Recorded
Recollection may be read into evidence and heard by the jury, it cannot be admitted into evidence as an exhibit unless ____
offered by an adverse party.
Opinions by lay (nonexpert) witnesses are generally inadmissible. However, opinion testimony by a lay witness is admissible when it is:
- Rationally based on the witness’s perception;
- Helpful to a clear understanding of the witness’s testimony or helpful to the determination of a fact in issue; and
- Not based on scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge
An opinion of a lay witness is generally admissible with respect to:
- The general appearance or condition of a person;
- The state of emotion of a person;
- Matters involving sense recognition;
- Voice or handwriting identification;
- The speed of a moving object;
- The value of the witness’s own services or property;
- The rational or irrational nature of another’s conduct; and
- A person’s intoxication
Situations Where Opinions of Lay Witnesses Are Not Admissible
A lay witness cannot give an opinion as to whether they (or someone else) acted as an agent or whether a contract was made, as these are legal conclusions that require specialized knowledge.
-> The lay witness may testify only as to the surrounding facts.
For expert testimony to be admissible, the proponent must demonstrate to the court that it is more likely than not that:
(1) the subject matter is one where scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge would assist the trier of fact;
(2) the opinion is based on sufficient
facts or data;
(3) the opinion is the product of reliable principles and methods; and
(4) the expert’s opinion reflects a reliable application of the principles and methods to the facts of the case.
The witness must be qualified as an expert. This requirement is satisfied if they possess:
special knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education.
The expert’s opinion must be supported by a proper factual basis. The opinion can be based on any of the following possible sources of information:
- Facts based on the expert’s own personal observation
- Facts made known to the expert at trial
- Facts not known personally but supplied to the expert outside the courtroom and of a type reasonably relied upon by other experts in the particular field.
Where the experts factual basis if from facts not known personally but supplied to the expert outside the courtroom and of a type reasonably relied upon by other experts in the particular field.
Such facts ____ be admissible
as evidence.
need not
But if the facts that an expert relies on would be inadmissible, the proponent of the expert testimony must not ___ to the jury unless the court determines that their ____
disclose the facts; probative value in helping the jury evaluate the expert’s opinion substantially outweighs their prejudicial effect (reverse 403)
Unless the court orders otherwise, the expert need not disclose the basis of the opinion on ____. However,
the expert may be required to disclose such information on ____.
direct examination; cross-examination
The expert must possess ____ regarding their opinion. A mere ____ is not sufficient.
reasonable probability; guess or speculation
Although courts have discretion to consider a wide variety of factors in determining the reliability of expert testimony, the Daubert factors that courts use to determine the reliability of experts’ principles and methodologies:
The “TRAP” mnemonic may help you remember them:
- Testing of principle or methodology
- Rate of error
- Acceptance by experts in the same discipline
- Peer review and publication
A relevant excerpt from a ____ may be used during expert testimony.
treatise, periodical, or pamphlet
Under the Federal Rules, these “learned treatises” can be used to both ____ under the “learned treatise” exception to the hearsay rule, subject to limitations
impeach experts and as substantive evidence (that is, to prove that what the treatise says is true)
Limitations to using learned treatises in expert testiony:
- The treatise must be established as reliable authority by: (1) the testimony of the expert on the stand, (2) the testimony of another expert, or (3) judicial notice;
- The excerpt must be used in the context of expert testimony (cross/direct); and
- The excerpt is read into evidence but cannot be received as an exhibit
An expert is generally permitted to render an opinion as to the ___ in the case. However, in a _____, an expert may not state an opinion as to whether the accused did or did not have that.
ultimate issue; criminal case in which the defendant’s mental state constitutes an element of the crime or defense
A court has broad discretion to appoint ____ witnesses. On a party’s motion or its own, the court may order the parties to show cause why ____
expert; experts should not be appointed and may ask the parties to submit nominations.
What must occur when the court appoints an expert witness:
- The court may then appoint any expert who consents to act, and the court must inform the expert of their duties.
- The expert must advise the parties of any findings they make, and any party may depose the expert, call the expert as a witness, or cross-examine the expert.
- The expert is entitled to reasonable compensation as set by the court.
- The court may authorize disclosure to the jury that the expert was appointed by the court.
Upon a party’s request, the trial judge ____ order witnesses excluded from the courtroom. The judge may also do this on their own motion.
must
The judge, however, must not exclude a witness where:
(1) a party or a designated officer or employee of a party,
(2) a person whose presence is essential to the presentation of a party’s claim or defense, or
(3) a person statutorily authorized to be present.
The court may also issue an order prohibiting disclosure of trial testimony to ___ and prohibiting the excluded witnesses from ____ trial testimony
excluded witnesses; accessing
The ___ may examine a party’s witness or call its own witness. Each party is entitled to ____ a witness called by the court.
court; cross-examine
A party may object to the court’s examining or calling a witness either at that time or at the next available opportunity when ____
the jury is not present.
When evidence is admissible only to impeach, it is not being offered as ____ but to show that the witness can’t be trusted
substantive evidence (that is, to prove some fact at issue in the case)
Generally, a party is not permitted to bolster or accredit the testimony of their witness until the witness has been ___
impeached.
Exceptions to Rule Against Bolstering
- A party may offer evidence that the witness made a timely complaint (in a sexual assault case, for example) or
- a prior statement of identification (usually, identifying the defendant as the
perpetrator of the charged crime) even if this tends to bolster their in-court testimony.
–> The prior identification may also serve as substantive evidence that the identification was correct (see hearsay exception)
Under the Federal Rules, a witness may be impeached by ____
any party, including the party who called them.
A witness may be impeached either b
(1) cross-examination (eliciting facts from the witness that discredit their own testimony) or
(2) extrinsic evidence (calling other witnesses or introducing documents that prove the impeaching facts).
++ different timing rules for when this can happen and when foundation should be laid
Methods for impeaching a witness with facts that are specific to the current case
- prior inconsistent statements
- bias
- sensory deficiencies
- contradiction
Methods for involve impeaching a witness with their general bad character for truthfulness
- opinion or reputation evidence of
untruthfulness - prior convictions
- bad acts
A party may show, by cross-examination or extrinsic evidence, that the witness has, on another occasion, made statements ____
inconsistent with their present testimony.
To prove a prior inconsistent statement by extrinsic evidence, a ____
proper foundation must be laid and the statement must be relevant to some issue in the case.