Presentation of Evidence Flashcards
What is the scope of the Federal Rules of Evidence
All civil & criminal proceedings before the United States Federal Courts (Not military courts)
When do the Federal Rules of Evidence NOT apply?
- Court’s determination of a preliminary question of fact regarding the admissibility of evidence
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Criminal Proceedings for the following purposes
- Issuance of a search or arrest warrant
- Issuance of criminal summons
- Preliminary examination in a criminal case
- Extradition or rendition
- Consideration of bail or other release
- Sentencing
- Granting or revoking probation or supervised release
What are preliminary questions regarding the admissibility of evidence?
- Competency
- Admissibility
- Whether privilege applies
What must be done in order to preserve an appeal for an admission of evidence?
A timely & specific objection must be made
Where a ruling excludes evidence, how can the issue be preserved for appeal ?
An offer of proof must be made outside the presence of a jury
What are motions in limine ?
Pretrial ruling on the admissibility of evidence
What happens if an objection is not made to objectionable evidence?
The evidence will be admitted
What is the only time when an appeal can be preserved without an objection?
When Plain error is found
When is plain error found?
- Error is obvious & clear to the reviewing court
What if the Plain Error affects a Substantila right?
It’s grounds for reversal, even if no objection or offer of proof was made
What is the procedure for holding hearings on admissibility?
The hearing must occur outside the presence of the jury
What is the Role of the Judge?
- Judge is the trier of law
- Decides prliminary questions of competence of evidence - Includes:
- admissibility of evidence
- Whether priv. exists
- Whether person is qualified to be a witness
Judge is not bound by Rules of Evidence in reaching his conclusion
- Exception - Privileges
What is the role of the Jury?
- The jury is the trier of fact
- A party presents ev. that is relevant to the weight & credibility of other ev.
- Once evidence has been admitted,
- It’s the role of the Jury to Determine the weight and credibility of the evidence
When can a party challenge an evidentiary ruling as erroneous?
- If the ruling affects a substantial right of a party, and
- Party notifies the judge of the error by:
- Objection, or
- Offer of Proof
Objection to admission of evidence
- If ruling admits evidence
- Party must make timely objection or motion to strike
- Must state specific grounds for the objetion or motion in ordeer to preserve admissibility issue for appeal