Types of evidence Flashcards
2 main sources of evidence
- witness: A person who provides evidence in the form of in court testimony or our of court statement
2: real evidence: A writing or other tangible item
Judicial Notice allows the courts to…
assume the evidence of facts when those facts are well known and indisposable
Rule 601: Competency to testify in general
Who is competent to be a witness?
EVERYONE, unless a rule provides otherwise
3 requirements for a witness
- Competency
- Personal Knowledge
- Oath of affirmative
Just because someone is qualified to testify does not mean that
what they say is believable
When state law determines the requirements of a witness
- always in civil court
- sometimes in federal court
“Dead Man Act”
makes incompetent, a party proposing to testify about a conversation or other transaction with a person now deceased when that testimony is offered against the estate of the deceased
Rule 601 requires the application of state competency law when 3 conditions are satisfied:
1: The issue arises in a civil action or proceeding;
2. It concerns an element of a claim or defense;
AND
3. THe claim or defense is one as to which state law supplies the applicable substantive rule
In a civil action brought in federal court’s diversity jurisdiction, what competency law is used?
The competency law of the state in which that federal court is is applicable
Rule 605: Judges Competency as a witness
Judges may not testify at trial as a witness
Rule 606: Jurors Competency as a witness
If a jury is caused to testify, then
the court must give a party an opportunity to object outside the jury’s presence
Rule 606: Jurors Competency as a witness
Prohibited Testimony or Others Evidence
During an inquiry into the validity of a verdict or incitement
May not testify about jury deliberations, jury voting, any jurors mental processes concerning the verdict or indictment
Rule 606: Jurors Competency as a witness
Prohibited Testimony or Others Evidence (3 EXCEPTIONS)
During an inquiry into the validity of a verdict or incitement
- Extraneous prejudicial info was improperly brought to the jury’s attention
- An outside influence was improperly brought to bear on any juror;
OR - A mistake was made in entering the verdict on the verdict form
Rule 602 Need for Personal Knowledge
A witness may testify to a matter only if…
the evidence is introduced sufficient to support a finding that the witness has personal knowledge may consist of the witnesses own testimony
Rule 602 Need for Personal Knowledge
does not apply to
a witness expert testimony under rule 703
The formula for if a witness’s personal knowledge can be testified
FP= FT
Facts perceived = facts allowed to testify