updated rules of evidence (dec 1st, 2011)

8/3/2019 UPDATED Rules of Evidence (Dec 1st, 2011)

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Federal Evidence Review

Federal Evidence Review

Effective December 1, 2011

New Restyled Federal Rules of Evidence

(Effective Dec. 1, 2011)

Special Feature: Includes direct links to

legislative history materials

Save this version on your computer

Print a hardcopy for court or meetings

Other features noted on next page

Document Highlights

Restyled Federal Rules of Evidence


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Federal Rules of Evidence FEDERALEVIDENCEREVIEW 2012

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3www.FederalEvidence.com

FEDERALRULESOFEVIDENCEINDEX

Restyled Rules Features: ..........................................................................................................................................2

Restyling the Federal Rules Of Evidence .............................................................................................................10

Federal Evidence Cross-Links. Coming Soon ................................................................................................... 11

Subscribe Now To The FEDERALEVIDENCEREVIEW ...............................................................................................12

Effective Date:: .........................................................................................................................................................13

Article I. General ProvisionsRule 101. Scope; Denitions ...................................................................................................................................14

(a) Scope. ............................................................................................................................................................14

(b) Denitions.....................................................................................................................................................14

Rule 102. Purpose....................................................................................................................................................14

Rule 103. Rulings on Evidence ...............................................................................................................................14

(a) Preserving a Claim of Error. .........................................................................................................................14

(b) Not Needing to Renew an Objection or Offer of Proof. ...............................................................................14

(c) Courts Statement About the Ruling; Directing an Offer of Proof. ..............................................................14(d) Preventing the Jury from Hearing Inadmissible Evidence. ..........................................................................15

(e) Taking Notice of Plain Error. ........................................................................................................................15

Rule 104. Preliminary Questions ...........................................................................................................................15

(a) In General......................................................................................................................................................15

(b) Relevance That Depends on a Fact. ..............................................................................................................15

(c) Conducting a Hearing So That the Jury Cannot Hear It. ..............................................................................15

(d) Cross-Examining a Defendant in a Criminal Case. ......................................................................................15

(e) Evidence Relevant to Weight and Credibility. ..............................................................................................15

Rule 105. Limiting Evidence That Is Not Admissible Against Other Parties or for Other Purposes ............15

Rule 106. Remainder of or Related Writings or Recorded Statements ............................................................16


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Article II. Judicial NoticeRule 201. Judicial Notice of Adjudicative Facts ..................................................................................................16

(a) Scope. ............................................................................................................................................................16

(b) Kinds of Facts That May Be Judicially Noticed. ..........................................................................................16

(c) Taking Notice. ...............................................................................................................................................16

(d) Timing. ..........................................................................................................................................................16(e) Opportunity to Be Heard. ..............................................................................................................................16

(f) Instructing the Jury. .......................................................................................................................................16

Article III. Presumptions In Civil CasesRule 301. Presumptions in Civil Actions Generally ............................................................................................17

Rule 302. Applying State Law to Presumptions in Civil Cases ...........................................................................17

Article IV. Relevance And Its LimitsRule 401. Test for Relevant Evidence.........................................................................................................17

Rule 402. General Admissibility of Relevant Evidence ...................................................................................... 17

Rule 403. Excluding Relevant Evidence for Prejudice, Confusion, Waste of Time, or Other Reasons .........18

Rule 404. Character Evidence; Crimes or Other Acts.........................................................................................18

(a) Character Evidence. ......................................................................................................................................18

(1) Prohibited Uses. ............................................................................................................................................18

(2) Exceptions for a Defendant or Victim in a Criminal Case. ..........................................................................18

(3) Exceptions for a Witness. .............................................................................................................................18

(b) Crimes, Wrongs, or Other Acts. ....................................................................................................................18(1) Prohibited Uses. ............................................................................................................................................18

(2) Permitted Uses; Notice in a Criminal Case. .................................................................................................18

Rule 405. Methods of Proving Character ............................................................................................................ 19

(a) By Reputation or Opinion. ............................................................................................................................19

(b) By Specic Instances of Conduct. ................................................................................................................19

Rule 406. Habit; Routine Practice .........................................................................................................................19

Rule 407. Subsequent Remedial Measures ..........................................................................................................19

Rule 408. Compromise Offers and Negotiations .................................................................................................19

(a) Prohibited uses. .............................................................................................................................................19

(b) Exceptions. ...................................................................................................................................................20

Rule 409. Offers to Pay Medical and Similar Expenses ......................................................................................20


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Rule 410. Pleas, Plea Discussions, and Related Statements ................................................................................20

(a) Prohibited Uses. ............................................................................................................................................20

(b) Exceptions. ...................................................................................................................................................20

Rule 411 Liability Insurance ..................................................................................................................................20

Rule 412. Sex-Offense Cases: The Victims Sexual Behavior or Predisposition ...............................................21

(a) Prohibited Uses .............................................................................................................................................21

(b) Exceptions. ....................................................................................................................................................21

(c) Procedure To Determine Admissibility. ........................................................................................................21

(d) Denition of Victim. .................................................................................................................................21

Rule 413 Similar Crimes in Sexual-Assault Cases ...............................................................................................21

(a) Permitted Uses. .............................................................................................................................................21

(b) Disclosure to the Defendant. .........................................................................................................................21

(c) Effect on Other Rules. ................................................................................................................................... 22

(d) Denition of Sexual Assault......................................................................................................................22

Rule 414. Similar Crimes in Child-Molestation Cases ........................................................................................22

(a) Permitted Uses. .............................................................................................................................................22

(b) Disclosure to the Defendant. .........................................................................................................................22


(d) Denition of Child and Child Molestation. ...........................................................................................22

Rule 415. Similar Acts in Civil Cases Involving Sexual Assault or Child Molestation ....................................23

(a) Permitted Uses. .............................................................................................................................................23

(b) Disclosure to the Opponent. .........................................................................................................................23


Article V. PrivilegesRule 501. Privileges in General .............................................................................................................................23

Rule 502. Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product; Limitations on Waiver .............................................23

(a) Disclosure Made in a Federal Proceeding or to a Federal Ofce or Agency; Scope of a Waiver. ................23

(b) Inadvertent Disclosure. .................................................................................................................................24

(c) Disclosure Made in a State Proceeding. .......................................................................................................24

(e) Controlling Effect of a Party Agreement. .....................................................................................................24

(f) Controlling Effect of This Rule. ....................................................................................................................24

(g) Denitions. ....................................................................................................................................................24

Article VI. WitnessesRule 601. Competency to Testify in General .......................................................................................................25

Rule 602. Need for Personal Knowledge .............................................................................................................. 25


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Rule 603. Oath or Afrmation to Testify Truthfully ...........................................................................................25

Rule 604. Interpreter .............................................................................................................................................25

Rule 605. Judges Competency as a Witness .......................................................................................................25

Rule 606. Who May Impeach a Witness ...............................................................................................................25

(a) At the Trial. ...................................................................................................................................................25

(b) During an Inquiry into the Validity of a Verdict or Indictment. ...................................................................26

Rule 607. Who May Impeach a Witness .............................................................................................................. 26

Rule 608. A Witnesss Character for Truthfulness or Untruthfulness ...............................................................26

(a) Reputation or Opinion Evidence. ..................................................................................................................26

(b) Specic Instances of Conduct. ......................................................................................................................26

Rule 609. Impeachment by Evidence of a Criminal Conviction .........................................................................27

(a) In General......................................................................................................................................................27(b) Limit on Using the Evidence After 10 Years. ...............................................................................................27

(c) Effect of a Pardon, Annulment, or Certicate of Rehabilitation...................................................................27

(d) Juvenile Adjudications. .................................................................................................................................27

(e) Pendency of an Appeal. .................................................................................................................................27

Rule 610. Religious Beliefs or Opinions ................................................................................................................28

Rule 611. Mode and Order of Examining Witnesses and Presenting Evidence ................................................28

(a) Control by the Court; Purposes. ....................................................................................................................28

(b) Scope of Cross-Examination. .......................................................................................................................28

(c) Leading Questions. .......................................................................................................................................28

Rule 612. Writing Used to Refresh a Witnesss Memory ....................................................................................28

(a) Scope. ............................................................................................................................................................28

(b) Adverse Partys Options; Deleting Unrelated Matter. ..................................................................................28

(c) Failure to Produce or Deliver the Writing.....................................................................................................29

Rule 613. Witnesss Prior Statement .....................................................................................................................29

(a) Showing or Disclosing the Statement During Examination. ........................................................................29

(b) Extrinsic Evidence of a Prior Inconsistent Statement. ..................................................................................29

Rule 614. Courts Calling or Examining a Witness .............................................................................................29

(a) Calling. ..........................................................................................................................................................29(b) Examining. ....................................................................................................................................................29

(c) Objections. ....................................................................................................................................................29

Rule 615. Excluding Witnesses ..............................................................................................................................29


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Article VII. Opinions And Expert TestimonVII. Opinions And Expert TestimonyRule 701. Opinion Testimony by Lay Witnesses ..................................................................................................30

Rule 702. Testimony by Expert Witnesses ............................................................................................................30

Rule 703. Bases of an Experts Opinion Testimony .............................................................................................30

Rule 704. Opinion on an Ultimate Issue................................................................................................................31

Rule 705. Disclosing the Facts or Data Underlying an Experts Opinion ..........................................................31

Rule 706. Court-Appointed Expert Witnesses .....................................................................................................31

(a) Appointment Process. ...................................................................................................................................31

(b) Experts Role. ...............................................................................................................................................31

(c) Compensation. ..............................................................................................................................................31

(d) Disclosing the Appointment to the Jury. .......................................................................................................32

(e) Parties Choice of Their Own Experts. .........................................................................................................32

Article VIII. HearsayRule 801. Denitions That Apply to This Article; Exclusions from Hearsay ....................................................32

(a) Statement.......................................................................................................................................................32

(b) Declarant. .....................................................................................................................................................32

(c) Hearsay. .........................................................................................................................................................32

(d) Statements That Are Not Hearsay. ................................................................................................................32

(1) A Declarant-Witnesss Prior Statement. .................................................................................................32

(2) An Opposing Partys Statement. ............................................................................................................32

Rule 802. The Rule Against Hearsay .....................................................................................................................33

Rule 803. Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay Regardless of Whether the

Declarant Is Available as a Witness .......................................................................................................................33

(1) Present Sense Impression. ............................................................................................................................33

(2) Excited Utterance. ........................................................................................................................................33

(3) Then-Existing Mental, Emotional, or Physical Condition. ...........................................................................33

(4) Statement Made for Medical Diagnosis or Treatment. ................................................................................33

(5) Recorded Recollection .................................................................................................................................33

(6) Records of a Regularly Conducted Activity. ................................................................................................34

(7) Absence of a Record of a Regularly Conducted Activity. ............................................................................ 34

(8) Public Records. .............................................................................................................................................34

(9) Public Records of Vital Statistics..................................................................................................................34

(10) Absence of a Public Record. .......................................................................................................................34(11) Records of Religious Organizations Concerning Personal or Family History. ..........................................34

(12) Certicates of Marriage, Baptism, and Similar Ceremonies. .....................................................................35

(13) Family Records. ..........................................................................................................................................35

(14) Records of Documents That Affect an Interest in Property. .......................................................................35

(15) Statements in Documents That Affect an Interest in Property. ...................................................................35

(16) Statements in Ancient Documents. .............................................................................................................35

(17) Market Reports and Similar Commercial Publications. ............................................................................35


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(18) Statements in Learned Treatises, Periodicals, or Pamphlets.......................................................................35

(19) Reputation Concerning Personal or Family History. .................................................................................35

(20) Reputation Concerning Boundaries or General History. ............................................................................36

(21) Reputation Concerning Character. .............................................................................................................36

(22) Judgment of a Previous Conviction. ...........................................................................................................36

(23) Judgments Involving Personal, Family, or General History, or a Boundary. .............................................36

(24) [Other Exceptions.] .....................................................................................................................................36

Rule 804. Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay When the Declarant Is Unavailable as a Witness ......36

(a) Criteria for Being Unavailable. .....................................................................................................................37

(b) The Exceptions. ............................................................................................................................................37

(1) Former Testimony...................................................................................................................................37

(2) Statement Under the Belief of Imminent Death. ....................................................................................37

(3) Statement Against Interest. .....................................................................................................................37

(4) Statement of Personal or Family History. ..............................................................................................37

(5) [Other Exceptions.] ................................................................................................................................37

(6) Statement Offered Against a Party That Wrongfully Caused the Declarants Unavailability. ...............37

Rule 805. Hearsay Within Hearsay .......................................................................................................................38

Rule 806. Attacking and Supporting the Declarants Credibility.......................................................................38

Rule 807. Residual Exception.................................................................................................................................38

(a) In General......................................................................................................................................................38

(b) Notice. ...........................................................................................................................................................38

Article IX. Authentication And IdenticationRule 901. Authenticating or Identifying Evidence ...............................................................................................39

(a) In General......................................................................................................................................................39

(b) Examples.......................................................................................................................................................39

(1) Testimony of a Witness with Knowledge. ..............................................................................................39

(2) Nonexpert Opinion About Handwriting. ................................................................................................39

(3) Comparison by an Expert Witness or the Trier of Fact. .........................................................................39

(4) Distinctive Characteristics and the Like. ...............................................................................................39

(5) Opinion About a Voice. ..........................................................................................................................39

(6) Evidence About a Telephone Conversation. ..........................................................................................39

(7) Evidence About Public Records.: ...........................................................................................................39

(8) Evidence About Ancient Documents or Data Compilations. ................................................................. 39

(9) Evidence About a Process or System. ....................................................................................................40

(10) Methods Provided by a Statute or Rule. ...............................................................................................40

Rule 902. Evidence That Is Self-Authenticating ..................................................................................................40

(1) Domestic Public Documents That Are Sealed and Signed. ..........................................................................40

(2) Domestic Public Documents That Are Not Sealed but Are Signed and Certied. .......................................40

(3) Foreign Public Documents. .........................................................................................................................40

(4) Certied Copies of Public Records. ..............................................................................................................40

(5) Ofcial Publications. ....................................................................................................................................40


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(6) Newspapers and Periodicals. ........................................................................................................................40

(7) Trade Inscriptions and the Like. ...................................................................................................................41

(8) Acknowledged Documents. ..........................................................................................................................41

(9) Commercial Paper and Related Documents. ................................................................................................41

(10) Presumptions Under a Federal Statute. ......................................................................................................41

(11) Certied Domestic Records of a Regularly Conducted Activity. ...............................................................41

(12) Certied Foreign Records of a Regularly Conducted Activity. ..................................................................41

Rule 903. Subscribing Witnesss Testimony .........................................................................................................41

Article X. Contents Of Writings, Recordings, And PhotographsRule 1001. Denitions That Apply to This Article ...............................................................................................42

Rule 1002. Requirement of the Original ...............................................................................................................42

Rule 1003. Admissibility of Duplicates ..................................................................................................................42

Rule 1004. Admissibility of Other Evidence of Content ......................................................................................42

Rule 1005. Copies of Public Records to Prove Content ....................................................................................... 43

Rule 1006. Summaries to Prove Content ..............................................................................................................43

Rule 1007. Testimony or Statement of a Party to Prove Content .......................................................................43

Rule 1008. Functions of the Court and Jury ........................................................................................................44

Article XI. Miscellaneous RulesRule 1101. Applicability of the Rules.....................................................................................................................44

(a) To Courts and Judges. ...................................................................................................................................44

(b) To Cases and Proceedings. ............................................................................................................................44

(c) Rules on Privilege. ........................................................................................................................................44

(d) Exceptions. ...................................................................................................................................................45

(e) Other Statutes and Rules. ..............................................................................................................................45

Rule 1102. Amendments .........................................................................................................................................45

Rule 1103. Title ........................................................................................................................................................45


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Restyling the Federal Rules Of Evidence

On December 1, 2011, the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) were amended by restyling the rules. The

objective was to make the rules simpler to understand and use without substantively changing the mean-

ing.

BackgroundIn 2006, an effort to restyle the Federal Rules of Evidence was commenced by the Advisory Committee

on Evidence Rules. A similar restyling has been undertaken on the Appellate, Criminal and Civil Rules of

Procedure.

In August 2009, the Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure released the entire package of draft style

amendments for public comment, as part of the rules amendment process under the Rules Enabling Act,

28 U.S.C. 2071-77. Public comments were received by February 16, 2010. SeeMemorandum to the

Bench, Bar, and Public on Proposed Style Amendments to the Federal Rules of Evidence. On September

14, 2010, the U.S. Judicial Conference recommended that the Supreme Court adopt the proposed restyledFRE. On April 26, 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court approved amendments to restyle the FRE which became

effective December 1, 2011 under the Rules Enabling Act in the absence of any congressional action.

Resource MaterialsThe FEDERALEVIDENCEREVIEWand FederalEvidence.comprovides the following resource materials on

the Restyled FRE:

This PDF Text Of The Restyled Federal Rules Of Evidence,which includes direct links to the leg-

islative history of the FRE, jump links to specic rules, and is searchable

TheRestyled FRE Legislative History Pagewhich summarizes and provides background information

on the restyled amendments

Supreme Court and U.S. Judicial Conference Action, summary of the step-by-step process to restyle

the FRE with links to key judicial reports

Blog Posts On Restyling The Federal Rules Of Evidence

Old version, the Federal Rules of Evidence before its restyling effective date of December 1, 2011
http://federalevidence.com/http://federalevidence.com/downloads/rules.of.evidence.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/node/1051http://federalevidence.com/node/1051/#JCUShttp://federalevidence.com/taxonomy/term/323http://federalevidence.com/old-ruleshttp://federalevidence.com/old-ruleshttp://federalevidence.com/taxonomy/term/323http://federalevidence.com/node/1051/#JCUShttp://federalevidence.com/node/1051http://federalevidence.com/downloads/rules.of.evidence.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/


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Federal Evidence Cross-Links. Coming Soon

Federal Evidence Cross-Links are a new research resource that will provide at no cost, convenient direct

reference links to key resource materials for each specic Federal Rule of Evidence.

While the Cross-Links system will be implemented over the rst part of 2012 on FederalEvidence.com,

it is expected to have the following features:

Current text of each Federal Rule

Text of pre-restyled Federal Rules of Evidence

Direct access to the available Advisory Committee Notes

Blog posts concerning the rule in the FEDERALEVIDENCEBLOG

Available legislative history for each rule

Summary of elements that have been identied for each rule

Information regarding other available evidence sources, some which may be purchased

Details on the introduction and use of the Rules of Evidence Cross-Link feature will be available at

www.FederalEvidence.com in 2012.

Beta version of Cross-Links on federalevidence.com


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SUPREMECOURTOFTHEUNITEDSTATES:

ORDERED:That the Federal Rules of Evidence be, and they hereby are, amended by including therein

the amendments to Evidence Rules 101-1103.

That the foregoing amendments to the Federal Rules of Evidence shall take effect on

December 1, 2011, and shall govern in all proceedings thereafter commenced and, insofar

as just and practicable, all proceedings then pending.

That THE CHIEF JUSTICE be, and hereby is, authorized to transmit to the Congress theforegoing amendments to the Federal Rules of Evidence in accordance with the provi-

sions of Section 2072 of Title 28, United States Code.

April 26, 2011

1.

2.

3.


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ARTICLEI. GENERALPROVISIONS

Rule 101. Scope; Denitions

(a) Scope. These rules apply to proceedings in United States courts. The specic courts and proceedings

to which the rules apply, along with exceptions, are set out in Rule 1101.

(b) Denitions.In these rules

(1)civil case means a civil action or proceeding;

(2)criminal case includes a criminal proceeding;

(3)public ofce includes a public agency;

(4)record includes a memorandum, report, or data compilation;

(5)a rule prescribed by the Supreme Court means a rule adopted by the Supreme Court under statu-

tory authority; and

(6)a reference to any kind of written material or any other medium includes electronically stored in-

formation.

(Legislative History Links:Pub. L. 93-595, Jan. 2, 1975; Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987; Apr. 25, 1988,

eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Apr. 29, 1994, eff. Dec. 1, 1994; Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 102. Purpose

These rules should be construed so as to administer every proceeding fairly, eliminate unjustiable expense

and delay, and promote the development of evidence law, to the end of ascertaining the truth and securing

a just determination.

(Legislative History Links: Pub. L. 93-595, Jan. 2, 1975; Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 103. Rulings on Evidence

(a) Preserving a Claim of Error.A party may claim error in a ruling to admit or exclude evidence only

if the error affects a substantial right of the party and:

(1)if the ruling admits evidence, a party, on the record:

(A)timely objects or moves to strike; and

(B)states the specic ground, unless it was apparent from the context; or

(2)if the ruling excludes evidence, a party informs the court of its substance by an offer of proof, unless

the substance was apparent from the context.

(b) Not Needing to Renew an Objection or Offer of Proof.Once the court rules denitively on the record either before or at trial a party need not renew an objection or offer of proof to preserve a claim of

error for appeal.

(c) Courts Statement About the Ruling; Directing an Offer of Proof.The court may make any state-

ment about the character or form of the evidence, the objection made, and the ruling. The court may direct

that an offer of proof be made in question-and-answer form.
http://federalevidence.com/pdf/FRE_Amendments/1975_Orig_Enact/1975-Pub.L._93-595_FRE.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/FRE_Amendments/1987Amendments/H.%20Doc.%20100-41.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/FRE_Amendments/1988Amendments/HDoc100-187.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/FRE_Amendments/1988Amendments/HDoc100-187.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/FRE_Amendments/1994Amendment/HDoc103-250.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/2011/04-Apr/FRE.Restyling.4-26-11SCT.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/FRE_Amendments/1975_Orig_Enact/1975-Pub.L._93-595_FRE.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/2011/04-Apr/FRE.Restyling.4-26-11SCT.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/2011/04-Apr/FRE.Restyling.4-26-11SCT.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/FRE_Amendments/1975_Orig_Enact/1975-Pub.L._93-595_FRE.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/2011/04-Apr/FRE.Restyling.4-26-11SCT.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/FRE_Amendments/1994Amendment/HDoc103-250.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/FRE_Amendments/1988Amendments/HDoc100-187.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/FRE_Amendments/1988Amendments/HDoc100-187.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/FRE_Amendments/1987Amendments/H.%20Doc.%20100-41.pdfhttp://federalevidence.com/pdf/FRE_Amendments/1975_Orig_Enact/1975-Pub.L._93-595_FRE.pdf


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(d) Preventing the Jury from Hearing Inadmissible Evidence. To the extent practicable, the court must

conduct a jury trial so that inadmissible evidence is not suggested to the jury by any means.

(e) Taking Notice of Plain Error. A court may take notice of a plain error affecting a substantial right,

even if the claim of error was not properly preserved.

(Legislative History Links: Pub. L. 93-595, Jan. 2, 1975; Apr. 17, 2000, eff. Dec. 1, 2000;

Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 104. Preliminary Questions

(a) In General.The court must decide any preliminary question about whether a witness is qualied, a

privilege exists, or evidence is admissible. In so deciding, the court is not bound by evidence rules, except

those on privilege.

(b) Relevance That Depends on a Fact. When the relevance of evidence depends on whether a fact exists,

proof must be introduced sufcient to support a nding that the fact does exist. The court may admit theproposed evidence on the condition that the proof be introduced later.

(c) Conducting a Hearing So That the Jury Cannot Hear It. The court must conduct any hearing on a

preliminary question so that the jury cannot hear it if:

(1) the hearing involves the admissibility of a confession;

(2)a defendant in a criminal case is a witness and so requests; or

(3)justice so requires.

(d) Cross-Examining a Defendant in a Criminal Case. By testifying on a preliminary question, a defen-

dant in a criminal case does not become subject to cross-examination on other issues in the case.

(e) Evidence Relevant to Weight and Credibility.This rule does not limit a partys right to introduce

before the jury evidence that is relevant to the weight or credibility of other evidence.

(Legislative History Links: Pub. L. 93-595, Jan. 2, 1975; Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987;

Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 105. Limiting Evidence That Is Not AdmissibleAgainst Other Parties or for Other Purposes

If the court admits evidence that is admissible against a party or for a purpose but not against another

party or for another purpose the court, on timely request, must restrict the evidence to its properscope and instruct the jury accordingly.

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Rule 106. Remainder of or Related Writings or Recorded Statements

If a party introduces all or part of a writing or recorded statement, an adverse party may require the in-

troduction, at that time, of any other part or any other writing or recorded statement that in fairness

ought to be considered at the same time.

(Legislative History Links: Pub. L. 93-595, Jan. 2, 1975; Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987;

Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

ARTICLEII. JUDICIALNOTICE

Rule 201. Judicial Notice of Adjudicative Facts

(a) Scope.This rule governs judicial notice of an adjudicative fact only, not a legislative fact.

(b) Kinds of Facts That May Be Judicially Noticed. The court may judicially notice a fact that is not

subject to reasonable dispute because it:(1)is generally known within the trial courts territorial jurisdiction; or

(2) can be accurately and readily determined from sources whose accuracy cannot reasonably be ques-

tioned.

(c) Taking Notice.The court:

(1)may take judicial notice on its own; or

(2)must take judicial notice if a party requests it and the court is supplied with the necessary informa-

tion.

(d) Timing.The court may take judicial notice at any stage of the proceeding.

(e) Opportunity to Be Heard. On timely request, a party is entitled to be heard on the propriety of taking

judicial notice and the nature of the fact to be noticed. If the court takes judicial notice before notifying a

party, the party, on request, is still entitled to be heard.

(f) Instructing the Jury.In a civil case, the court must instruct the jury to accept the noticed fact as con-

clusive. In a criminal case, the court must instruct the jury that it may or may not accept the noticed fact

as conclusive.

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ARTICLEIII. PRESUMPTIONSINCIVILCASES

Rule 301. Presumptions in Civil Actions Generally

In a civil case, unless a federal statute or these rules provide otherwise, the party against whom a presump-

tion is directed has the burden of producing evidence to rebut the presumption. But this rule does not shift

the burden of persuasion, which remains on the party who had it originally.


Rule 302. Applying State Law to Presumptions in Civil Cases

In a civil case, state law governs the effect of a presumption regarding a claim or defense for which state

law supplies the rule of decision.


ARTICLEIV. RELEVANCEANDITSLIMITS

Rule 401. Test for Relevant Evidence

Evidence is relevant if:

(a) it has any tendency to make a fact more or less probable than it would be without the evidence;

and

(b) the fact is of consequence in determining the action.


Rule 402. General Admissibility of Relevant Evidence

Relevant evidence is admissible unless any of the following provides otherwise:

the United States Constitution;

a federal statute;

these rules; or

other rules prescribed by the Supreme Court.

Irrelevant evidence is not admissible.

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Rule 403. Excluding Relevant Evidence for Prejudice, Confusion,Waste of Time, or Other Reasons

The court may exclude relevant evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by a danger

of one or more of the following: unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, misleading the jury, undue delay,

wasting time, or needlessly presenting cumulative evidence.


Rule 404. Character Evidence; Crimes or Other Acts

(a) Character Evidence.

(1) Prohibited Uses.Evidence of a persons character or character trait is not admissible to prove that

on a particular occasion the person acted in accordance with the character or trait.

(2) Exceptions for a Defendant or Victim in a Criminal Case. The following exceptions apply in a

criminal case:(A) a defendant may offer evidence of the defendants pertinent trait, and if the evidence is admit-

ted, the prosecutor may offer evidence to rebut it;

(B)subject to the limitations in Rule 412, a defendant may offer evidence of an alleged victims

pertinent trait, and if the evidence is admitted, the prosecutor may:

(i) offer evidence to rebut it; and

(ii)offer evidence of the defendants same trait; and

(C)in a homicide case, the prosecutor may offer evidence of the alleged victims trait of peaceful-

ness to rebut evidence that the victim was the rst aggressor.

(3) Exceptions for a Witness. Evidence of a witnesss character may be admitted under Rules 607,

608, and 609.

(b) Crimes, Wrongs, or Other Acts.

(1) Prohibited Uses. Evidence of a crime, wrong, or other act is not admissible to prove a persons char-

acter in order to show that on a particular occasion the person acted in accordance with the character.

(2) Permitted Uses; Notice in a Criminal Case. This evidence may be admissible for another purpose,

such as proving motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, absence of mistake,

or lack of accident. On request by a defendant in a criminal case, the prosecutor must:

(A)provide reasonable notice of the general nature of any such evidence that the prosecutor intendsto offer at trial; and

(B)do so before trial or during trial if the court, for good cause, excuses lack of pretrial no-

tice.

(Legislative History Links: Pub. L. 93-595, Jan. 2, 1975; Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991,

eff. Dec. 1, 1991; Apr. 17, 2000, eff. Dec. 1, 2000; Apr. 12, 2006, eff. Dec. 1, 2006;

Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)
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Rule 405. Methods of Proving Character

(a) By Reputation or Opinion.When evidence of a persons character or character trait is admissible, it

may be proved by testimony about the persons reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On

cross-examination of the character witness, the court may allow an inquiry into relevant specic instances

of the persons conduct.

(b) By Specic Instances of Conduct.When a persons character or character trait is an essential element

of a charge, claim, or defense, the character or trait may also be proved by relevant specic instances of

the persons conduct.


eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 406. Habit; Routine Practice

Evidence of a persons habit or an organizations routine practice may be admitted to prove that on a par-

ticular occasion the person or organization acted in accordance with the habit or routine practice. The court

may admit this evidence regardless of whether it is corroborated or whether there was an eyewitness.


Rule 407. Subsequent Remedial Measures

When measures are taken that would have made an earlier injury or harm less likely to occur, evidence of

the subsequent measures is not admissible to prove:

negligence;

culpable conduct;

a defect in a product or its design; or

a need for a warning or instruction.

But the court may admit this evidence for another purpose, such as impeachment or if disputed prov-

ing ownership, control, or the feasibility of precautionary measures.

(Legislative History Links: Pub. L. 93-595, Jan. 2, 1975; Apr. 11, 1997, eff. Dec. 1, 1997; Apr. 26, 2011,

eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 408. Compromise Offers and Negotiations

(a) Prohibited uses.Evidence of the following is not admissible on behalf of any party either to

prove or disprove the validity or amount of a disputed claim or to impeach by a prior inconsistent state-ment or a contradiction:

(1)furnishing, promising, or offering or accepting, promising to accept, or offering to accept a

valuable consideration in compromising or attempting to compromise the claim; and

(2) conduct or a statement made during compromise negotiations about the claim except when of-

fered in a criminal case and when the negotiations related to a claim by a public ofce in the exercise

of its regulatory, investigative, or enforcement authority.
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(b) Exceptions. The court may admit this evidence for another purpose, such as proving a witnesss bias

or prejudice, negating a contention of undue delay, or proving an effort to obstruct a criminal investigation

or prosecution.

(Legislative History Links: Pub. L. 93-595, Jan. 2, 1975; Apr. 12, 2006, eff. Dec. 1, 2006;

Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 409. Offers to Pay Medical and Similar Expenses

Evidence of furnishing, promising to pay, or offering to pay medical, hospital, or similar expenses result-

ing from an injury is not admissible to prove liability for the injury.


Rule 410. Pleas, Plea Discussions, and Related Statements

(a) Prohibited Uses.In a civil or criminal case, evidence of the following is not admissible against the

defendant who made the plea or participated in the plea discussions:

(1)a guilty plea that was later withdrawn;

(2) a nolo contendere plea;

(3)a statement made during a proceeding on either of those pleas under Federal Rule of Criminal Pro-

cedure 11 or a comparable state procedure; or

(4)a statement made during plea discussions with an attorney for the prosecuting authority if the dis-

cussions did not result in a guilty plea or they resulted in a later-withdrawn guilty plea.

(b) Exceptions. The court may admit a statement described in Rule 410(a)(3) or (4):

(1) in any proceeding in which another statement made during the same plea or plea discussions has

been introduced, if in fairness the statements ought to be considered together; or(2) in a criminal proceeding for perjury or false statement, if the defendant made the statement under

oath, on the record, and with counsel present.

(Legislative History Links: Pub. L. 93-595, Jan. 2, 1975; Pub. L.94-149, Dec. 2, 1975; Apr. 30, 1979,

eff. Dec. 1, 1997; Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 411. Liability Insurance

Evidence that a person was or was not insured against liability is not admissible to prove whether the person

acted negligently or otherwise wrongfully. But the court may admit this evidence for another purpose, such

as proving a witnesss bias or prejudice or proving agency, ownership, or control.

(Legislat ive History Links: Pub. L. 93-595, Jan. 2, 1975; Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987;

Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)
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Rule 412. Sex-Offense Cases: The Victims Sexual Behavior or Predisposition

(a) Prohibited Uses.The following evidence is not admissible in a civil or criminal proceeding involving

alleged sexual misconduct:

(1) evidence offered to prove that a victim engaged in other sexual behavior; or

(2)evidence offered to prove a victims sexual predisposition.

(b) Exceptions.

(1) Criminal Cases. The court may admit the following evidence in a criminal case:

(A)evidence of specic instances of a victims sexual behavior, if offered to prove that someone

other than the defendant was the source of semen, injury, or other physical evidence;

(B)evidence of specic instances of a victims sexual behavior with respect to the person accused

of the sexual misconduct, if offered by the defendant to prove consent or if offered by the prosecu-

tor; and

(C)evidence whose exclusion would violate the defendants constitutional rights.

(2) Civil Cases.In a civil case, the court may admit evidence offered to prove a victims sexual behavioror sexual predisposition if its probative value substantially outweighs the danger of harm to any victim

and of unfair prejudice to any party. The court may admit evidence of a victims reputation only if the

victim has placed it in controversy.

(c) Procedure To Determine Admissibility.

(1) Motion. If a party intends to offer evidence under Rule 412(b), the party must:

(A)le a motion that specically describes the evidence and states the purpose for which it is to

be offered;

(B)do so at least 14 days before trial unless the court, for good cause, sets a different time;

(C)serve the motion on all parties; and

(D)notify the victim or, when appropriate, the victims guardian or representative.(2) Hearing.Before admitting evidence under this rule, the court must conduct an in camera hearing

and give the victim and parties a right to attend and be heard. Unless the court orders otherwise, the

motion, related materials, and the record of the hearing must be and remain sealed.

(d) Denition of Victim. In this rule, victim includes an alleged victim.

(Legislative History Links: Pub. L.95-540, Oct. 28, 1978; Pub. L.100-690, Nov. 1, 1988; Pub. L.103-

322, July 9, 1995; Apr. 29, 1994, eff. Dec.1, 1994; Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 413. Similar Crimes in Sexual-Assault Cases

(a) Permitted Uses. In a criminal case in which a defendant is accused of a sexual assault, the court may

admit evidence that the defendant committed any other sexual assault. The evidence may be considered

on any matter to which it is relevant.

(b) Disclosure to the Defendant.If the prosecutor intends to offer this evidence, the prosecutor must

disclose it to the defendant, including witnesses statements or a summary of the expected testimony. The

prosecutor must do so at least 15 days before trial or at a later time that the court allows for good cause.
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(c) Effect on Other Rules.This rule does not limit the admission or consideration of evidence under any

other rule.

(d) Denition of Sexual Assault.In this rule andRule 415, sexual assault means a crime under federal

law or under state law (as state is dened in 18 U.S.C. 513) involving:

(1)any conduct prohibited by 18 U.S.C. chapter 109A;(2)contact, without consent, between any part of the defendants body or an object and another

persons genitals or anus;

(3)contact, without consent, between the defendants genitals or anus and any part of another persons

body;

(4)deriving sexual pleasure or gratication from inicting death, bodily injury, or physical pain on

another person; or

(5)an attempt or conspiracy to engage in conduct described in subparagraphs (1)-(4).

(Legislative History Links: Apr. 29, 1994, eff. Dec.1, 1994; Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 414. Similar Crimes in Child-Molestation Cases

(a) Permitted Uses. In a criminal case in which a defendant is accused of child molestation, the court may

admit evidence that the defendant committed any other child molestation. The evidence may be considered

on any matter to which it is relevant.

(b) Disclosure to the Defendant.If the prosecutor intends to offer this evidence, the prosecutor must

disclose it to the defendant, including witnesses statements or a summary of the expected testimony. The

prosecutor must do so at least 15 days before trial or at a later time that the court allows for good cause.


other rule.

(d) Denition of Child and Child Molestation.In this rule and Rule 415:

(1) child means a person below the age of 14; and

(2)child molestation means a crime under federal law or under state law (as state is dened in 18

U.S.C. 513) involving:

(A)any conduct prohibited by 18 U.S.C. chapter 109A and committed with a child;

(B)any conduct prohibited by 18 U.S.C. chapter 110;

(C) contact between any part of the defendants body or an object and a childs genitals or

anus;

(D) contact between the defendants genitals or anus and any part of a childs body;

(E)deriving sexual pleasure or gratication from inicting death, bodily injury, or physical pain

on a child; or

(F) an attempt or conspiracy to engage in conduct described in subparagraphs (A)(E).

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Rule 415. Similar Acts in Civil Cases Involving Sexual Assault or Child Molestation

(a) Permitted Uses.In a civil case involving a claim for relief based on a partys alleged sexual assault or

child molestation, the court may admit evidence that the party committed any other sexual assault or child

molestation. The evidence may be considered as provided in Rules 413 and 414.

(b) Disclosure to the Opponent. If a party intends to offer this evidence, the party must disclose it to the

party against whom it will be offered, including witnesses statements or a summary of the expected tes-

timony. The party must do so at least 15 days before trial or at a later time that the court allows for good

cause.


other rule.


ARTICLEV. PRIVILEGES

Rule 501. Privileges in General

The common law as interpreted by United States courts in the light of reason and experience governs

a claim of privilege unless any of the following provides otherwise:

the United States Constitution;

a federal statute; or

rules prescribed by the Supreme Court.

But in a civil case, state law governs privilege regarding a claim or defense for which state law supplies

the rule of decision.

(Legislative History Links: Pub. L.93-595, Jan. 2, 1975; Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 502. Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product; Limitations on Waiver

The following provisions apply, in the circumstances set out, to disclosure of a communication or informa-

tion covered by the attorney-client privilege or work-product protection.

(a) Disclosure Made in a Federal Proceeding or to a Federal Ofce or Agency; Scope of a Waiver. When the disclosure is made in a federal proceeding or to a federal ofce or agency and waives the attor-

ney-client privilege or work-product protection, the waiver extends to an undisclosed communication or

information in a federal or state proceeding only if:

(1)the waiver is intentional;

(2)the disclosed and undisclosed communications or information concern the same subject matter;

and

(3)they ought in fairness to be considered together.
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(b) Inadvertent Disclosure.When made in a federal proceeding or to a federal ofce or agency, the dis-

closure does not operate as a waiver in a federal or state proceeding if:

(1)the disclosure is inadvertent;

(2)the holder of the privilege or protection took reasonable steps to prevent disclosure; and

(3)the holder promptly took reasonable steps to rectify the error, including (if applicable) following

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(b)(5)(B).

(c) Disclosure Made in a State Proceeding.When the disclosure is made in a state proceeding and is not

the subject of a state-court order concerning waiver, the disclosure does not operate as a waiver in a federal

proceeding if the disclosure:

(1) would not be a waiver under this rule if it had been made in a federal proceeding; or

(2)is not a waiver under the law of the State where the disclosure occurred.

(d) Controlling Effect of a Court Order. A federal court may order that the privilege or protection is not

waived by disclosure connected with the litigation pending before the court--in which event the disclosure

is also not a waiver in any other federal or state proceeding.

(e) Controlling Effect of a Party Agreement.An agreement on the effect of disclosure in a federal pro-

ceeding is binding only on the parties to the agreement, unless it is incorporated into a court order.

(f) Controlling Effect of This Rule.Notwithstanding Rules 101and 1101, this rule applies to state pro-

ceedings and to federal court-annexed and federal court-mandated arbitration proceedings, in the circum-

stances set out in the rule. And notwithstanding Rule 501, this rule applies even if State law provides the

rule of decision.

(g) Denitions. In this rule:

(1) attorney-client privilege means the protection that applicable law provides for condential at-

torney-client communications; and

(2) work-product protection means the protection that applicable law provides for tangible material

(or its intangible equivalent) prepared in anticipation of litigation or for trial.

(Pub. L. 110322, Sept. 19, 2008; Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)
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ARTICLEVI. WITNESSES

Rule 601. Competency to Testify in General

Every person is competent to be a witness unless these rules provide otherwise. But in a civil case, statelaw governs the witnesss competency regarding a claim or defense for which state law supplies the rule

of decision.


Rule 602. Need for Personal Knowledge

A witness may not testify to a matter unless evidence is introduced sufcient to support a nding that the

witness has personal knowledge of the matter. Evidence to prove personal knowledge may, but need not,

consist of the witness own testimony. This rule is subject to the provisions of Rule 703, relating to opinion

testimony by expert witnesses.

(Legislat ive History Links: Pub. L. 93-595, Jan. 2, 1975; Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987;

Apr. 25, 1988, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 603. Oath or Afrmation to Testify Truthfully

Before testifying, a witness must give an oath or afrmation to testify truthfully. It must be in a form de-

signed to impress that duty on the witnesss conscience.

(Legislative History Links: Pub. L.93-595, Jan. 2, 1975; Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987; Apr. 26, 2011,

eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 604. Interpreter

An interpreter must be qualied and must give an oath or afrmation to make a true translation.


eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule 605. Judges Competency as a Witness

The presiding judge may not testify as a witness at the trial. A party need not object to preserve the issue.


Rule 606. Who May Impeach