Rules of evidence are the rules by which a court determines what evidence is admissible at trial. In the United States, federal courts follow the Federal Rules of Evidence. States generally follow their own rules of evidence.
Categories
Relevance
Definition
Role of Judge and Jury
Grounds for Exclusion
Definition of Hearsay
Definition
Offered to Prove the Trust of the Matter Asserted
Prior Statements by Testifying Witness
Hearsay Exceptions
Statements by Party Opponents/Admissions
Unrestricted Exceptions
Declarant Unavailable
Catchall Exception
Protected Witness Testimony
Confrontation Clause
Character and Habit Evidence
Definition of Character Evidence
Methods of Proving Character
Character Evidence Offered to Prove Conduct on Specific Occasion Is Generally Prohibited
Character Evidence Generally Admissible When Character Is Element of Charge, Claim, or Defense
Prior Acts Admissible to Prove Specific Points
Evidence of Habit or Routine Practice Admissible
Competency of Witness
Direct and Cross-Examination
Order of Examining Witnesses
Direct Examination
Cross-Examination
Redirect Examination
Questioning by Judge
Exclusion of Witnesses
Impeachment and Rehabilitation
Who may impeach
Bias
Defect in sensory or mental capacity
Bad Character: Prior Bad Acts
Bad Character: Reputation or Opinion Evidence
Prior Inconsistent Statements
Contradiction
Rehabilitation
Prior Consistent Statements
Opinion and Expert Testimony
Authentication
Tangible Objects
Writings
Electronic Recordings
Photographs, X-rays, Medical Images
Telephone Conversations
Self-Authentication
Demonstrative Evidence
Best Evidence Doctrine
Privileges
Attorney-Client Privilege
Marital Privilege: Spousal Testimony
Marital Privilege: Marital Confidences
Physician-Patient Privilege
Psychotherapist-Patient Privilege
Other Privileges
Privilege Against Self-Incrimination
Burdens and Presumptions
Burden of Proof Defined
Standards of Proof
Assignment of Burdens in Civil Cases
Assignment of Burdens in Criminal Cases
Presumptions and Related Concepts Defined
Sources and Examples of Presumptions
Reasons for Creating Presumptions
Conflicting Presumptions
Relationship Between Presumptions and Burdens
Effect of Presumption When Counterproof Contests the Basic Fact
Effect of Presumption When Counterproof Contests the Presumed Fact
Effect of Presumptions Under FRE 301
Recognition of State Presumptions in Federal Civil Cases
