Evidence

What type of evidence is trying to be admitted?

Documents

Testimony

Real evidence

Is the evidence relevant?

Is the evidence hearsay?

Is the probative value of the evidence substantially outweighed by the risk of .....

Is the evidence relevant?

FRE 402: all relevant evidence is admissible UNLESS constitution, FRE, SCOTUS rules, federal statute says otherwise.

FRE 401: evidence is relevant when: it has 1) probative value, 2) about a fact of consequence

probative value=evidence has any tendency to make a fact of consequence more or less probable than it would be without the evidence

fact of consequence=material to the case

Yes

No

Evidence is inadmissible

Is the evidence legally relevant?

FRE 403: a judge may exclude admissible evidence if it's probative value is SUBSTANTIALLY outweighed by the risk of 1) unfair prejudice, 2) confusing issues, 3) misleading the jury, 4) wasting time, 5) needlessly presenting cumulative evidence.

No

Judge may rule to exclude evidence

Yes

Is the evidence a prior act(s) or event?

Yes

No

Is it offered for propensity purposes?

Yes

No

Is it evidence of subsequent remedial measures?

No

Yes

Admissible IF

Is it evidence compromise offers and negotiations?

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No

Is the evidence character evidence?

No

Yes

Admissible if