Kaplan MBE Evidence Flashcards
What is the difference between substantive use and limited use of evidence?
Substantive use is admissible for any purpose by the trier of fact. Limited use is admissible for a restricted purpose, such as impeachment.
Impeachment refers to challenging the credibility of a witness.
Who is the proponent in the context of evidence?
The party sponsoring the evidence.
The opponent is the party challenging the evidence.
What does admissibility refer to in legal terms?
Admissibility is a question of law for the judge.
Weight refers to how much the trier of fact chooses to believe the evidence.
What is direct evidence?
Direct evidence requires no inference.
Example: A witness testifying they saw the defendant commit the act.
What is circumstantial evidence?
Circumstantial evidence requires an inference.
Example: Footprints indicating someone delivered a newspaper.
What constitutes real evidence?
Real evidence includes tangible items like a murder weapon or a written contract.
It is physical evidence presented in court.
What is demonstrative evidence?
Demonstrative evidence is prepared to assist the jury in understanding the case.
Examples include PowerPoint presentations and models.
What does Rule 103 pertain to?
Rule 103 pertains to objections regarding the admission or exclusion of evidence.
A party must timely object and state specific grounds for the objection.
What is a proffer or offer of proof?
A statement to inform the court of the substance of excluded evidence.
This can be made orally or in writing.
What is the harmless error doctrine?
An error is harmless if it does not affect substantial rights or the verdict.
Example: Excluding an alibi witness if it does not prejudice the defendant.
What does the plain error doctrine refer to?
Plain error refers to a highly prejudicial error affecting substantial rights.
It can lead to reversal even if no objection was raised.
What is the ‘Relevant, But …’ Rule under Rule 104?
Evidence may be relevant but inadmissible due to hearsay, privilege, or constitutional violations.
The court must decide on these preliminary questions before admitting evidence.
What is conditional admissibility in Rule 104(b)?
Evidence may be admitted conditionally based on the existence of a preliminary fact.
Example: An expert’s testimony is allowed if preliminary facts are established later.
What is the purpose of Rule 105 regarding limited admissibility?
The court can admit evidence for a specific purpose and restrict its use against other parties.
A limiting jury instruction is required upon request.
What is the rule of completeness under Rule 106?
If part of a statement is introduced, the opposing party may require related parts to be introduced.
This avoids misleading the jury.
What is judicial notice?
Judicial notice is when a court accepts certain facts as true without requiring formal proof.
It applies to adjudicative facts that help determine case outcomes.
What types of facts can be judicially noticed?
- Facts commonly known in the territory
- Easily verifiable facts
Example: Historical records or well-known geographical facts.
What is the burden of production?
The obligation to produce evidence in a case.
In civil cases, it rests with the plaintiff; in criminal cases, with the prosecution.
What are the three different burdens of persuasion?
- Preponderance of the evidence
- Clear and convincing evidence
- Beyond a reasonable doubt
Each has different standards of proof required.
What is a presumption in civil cases?
A conclusion drawn from established facts that may shortcut evidence requirements.
Presumptions can help simplify the evidence needed to prove a case.
What is a presumption in legal terms?
A conclusion made as to the existence or nonexistence of a fact that may be drawn from other evidence that is admitted and proven to be true
Presumptions function as an evidence shortcut.
What is the difference between legal and factual presumptions?
Legal presumption: Conclusions based on law (e.g., presumption of innocence). Factual presumption: Conclusions based on facts (e.g., absentia for 7 years = absent person is dead)
Legal presumptions apply to legal standards, while factual presumptions arise from established facts.
What is a rebuttable presumption?
A presumption that can be rebutted or disproved with other evidence
Most presumptions are rebuttable.
What is an irrebuttable presumption?
A presumption that cannot be rebutted or disproved with other evidence
Irrebuttable presumptions are not permitted in criminal cases.