Evidence Flashcards
rule for probative evidence
evidence has a tendency to make a fact more or less probable
rule for material evidence
evidence is of consequence in deciding
when can you exclude relevant evidence
probative value is substantially outweighed by range of unfair prejudice
rule for relevance dependent on existence of fact
must have sufficient evidence that fact does exist and so it can be admitted on condition that the fact is later introduced
rule for character evidence in civil case
inadmissible to show person acted with accordance of a particular trait on a particular occasion
exception: trait is an element
rule for character evidence in criminal case
∆’s character
- by prosecution: not allowed to show propensity
- by defense: ∆ can put on evidence of good character using reputation or opinion – but opens the door
victim’s character
- by defense: can put on evidence but opens the door for prosecution to rebut victim’s character AND come after∆ for that same trait
when can you use specific bad acts
ONLY for non TOMA purposes:
Motive
Intent
Absence of Mistake
Identity
Common plan
can ask witness about specific bad acts on cross
test for witness competence
takes oath to tell truth
personal knowledge
knows difference between true and false
methods to impeach witness
- bias
- defects in memory/perception
- showing bad character for truthfulness
methods for impeaching a witness with bad character for truthfulness
- prior bad acts
- prior convictions
- reputation evidence
- prior inconsistent statements
- contradicting with counter proof
how do you use prior bad (un convicted) acts to impeach witness by showing bad character for truthfulness
- can only do it on cross
- can ask about an act that shows untruthfulness
- but only intrinsic evidence allowed so must accept answer
how do you use prior convictions to impeach witness for bad character for truthfulness
- must be felony or dishonest misdemeanor
- within last 10 years
how do you rehab witness
allow witness to explain on redirect
show good character
show prior consistent
how do you use present recollection refreshed
o Establish that witness can’t remember
o Ask witness if it would be helpful to see specific document
o Show document to witness
o Confirm it helped
o Take document away and proceed
o Evidence is the testimony, not the document
test for if someone can be an expert witness
Testimony is based on sufficient facts and data
Testimony is product of reliable principles and methods
Witness has applied those principles and methods
when can lay witness offer opinion
Anyone can offer opinions as long as
Rationally based on witness’s perception
Helpful to clear understanding or determination of fact
four step analysis for hearsay
- is it relevant? Non TOMA purposes?
- is it non hearsay?
- do any hearsay exceptions apply?
- if criminal: any 6th amendment confrontation issues?
what are the non TOMA purposes
- Impeachment
- Verbal act
- Effect on listener
- Verbal object/marker
- Circumstantial evidence of state of mind
- Circumstantial evidence of special knowledge