Evidence

Question 1

Evidence: General Roadmap

Answer 1

I. Presentation
II. Relevance
III. Tangible Evidence
IV. Witnesses
V. Privileges
VI. Hearsay
VII. Constitutional Limits

Question 2

I. Presentation

Answer 2

A. Judicial Notice
B. Form of Questions
C. Presumptions

Question 3

II. Relevance

Answer 3

A. Logical
B. Legal
C. Policy Exclusions
D. Character Evidence
E. Habit

Question 4

III. Tangible Evidence

Answer 4

A. Authentication
B. Best Evidence Rule (Secondary Evidence Rule)
C. Parol Evidence Rule

Question 5

IV. Witnesses

Answer 5

A. Competence
B. Impeachment
C. Refresh Recollection
D. Opinion Testimony

Question 6

V. Privileges

Answer 6

A. Spousal
B. Attorney-Client
C. Physician-Patient
D. Psychotherapist-Patient
E. Self-Incrimination
F. Miscellaneous (clergy-penitent, accountant-client, professional journalist)
G. Exceptions

Question 7

VI. Hearsay

Answer 7

A. Non-Hearsay
B. Exceptions (Unavailable Declarant)
C. Exceptions (Other)

Question 8

VI.A. Non-Hearsay

Answer 8

1. Prior Statements of Declarant-Witness (Consistent, Inconsistent, Of Identification)
2. Prior Statements of Opposing Party (Admission), including judicial, adoptive, vicarious, or co-conspirator

Question 9

VI.B. Hearsay Exceptions (Unavailable Declarant)

Answer 9

1. Former testimony
2. Dying declaration
3. Statement against interest
4. Statement of personal or family history
5. Forfeiture against wrongdoing

Question 10

VI.C. Hearsay Exceptions (Other)

Answer 10

1. Excited utterance (spontaneous statement)
2. Present sense impression (contemporaneous statement)
3. Statement of present mental/physical condition
4. Statement made for purpose of medical treatment or diagnosis
5. Recorded recollection
6. Business records
7. Public records
8. Catch-all

Question 11

VII. Constitutional Limits

Answer 11

A. Confrontation Clause
B. Due Process Clause