Contents & Context
These rules govern the introduction of evidence in proceedings, both civil and criminal, in Federal courts. While they do not apply to suits in state courts, the rules of many states have been closely modeled on these provisions.
Federal Rules of Evidence (2009)
(incorporating revisions that took effect Dec. 1, 2008)
ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE II. JUDICIAL NOTICE
ARTICLE III. PRESUMPTIONS IN CIVIL ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS
ARTICLE IV. RELEVANCY AND ITS LIMITS
ARTICLE V. PRIVILEGES
ARTICLE VI. WITNESSES
ARTICLE VII. OPINIONS AND EXPERT TESTIMONY
ARTICLE VIII. HEARSAY
ARTICLE IX. AUTHENTICATION AND IDENTIFICATION
ARTICLE X. CONTENTS OF WRITINGS, RECORDINGS, AND PHOTOGRAPHS
ARTICLE XI. MISCELLANEOUS RULES
- Rule 101. Scope
- Rule 102. Purpose and Construction
- Rule 103. Rulings on Evidence
- Rule 104. Preliminary Questions
- Rule 105. Limited Admissibility
- Rule 106. Remainder of or Related Writings or Recorded Statements
ARTICLE III. PRESUMPTIONS IN CIVIL ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS
- Rule 301. Presumptions in General Civil Actions and Proceedings
- Rule 302. Applicability of State Law in Civil Actions and Proceedings
ARTICLE IV. RELEVANCY AND ITS LIMITS
- Rule 401. Definition of "Relevant Evidence"
- Rule 402. Relevant Evidence Generally Admissible; Irrelevant Evidence Inadmissible
- Rule 403. Exclusion of Relevant Evidence on Grounds of Prejudice, Confusion, or Waste of Time
- Rule 404. Character Evidence Not Admissible To Prove Conduct; Exceptions; Other Crimes
- Rule 405. Methods of Proving Character
- Rule 406. Habit; Routine Practice
- Rule 407. Subsequent Remedial Measures
- Rule 408. Compromise and Offers to Compromise
- Rule 409. Payment of Medical and Similar Expenses
- Rule 410. Inadmissibility of Pleas, Plea Discussions, and Related Statements
- Rule 411. Liability Insurance
- Rule 412. Sex Offense Cases; Relevance of Alleged Victim's Past Sexual Behavior or Alleged Sexual Predisposition
- Rule 413. Evidence of Similar Crimes in Sexual Assault Cases
- Rule 414. Evidence of Similar Crimes in Child Molestation Cases
- Rule 415. Evidence of Similar Acts in Civil Cases Concerning Sexual Assault or Child Molestation
- Rule 601. General Rule of Competency
- Rule 602. Lack of Personal Knowledge
- Rule 603. Oath or Affirmation
- Rule 604. Interpreters
- Rule 605. Competency of Judge as Witness
- Rule 606. Competency of Juror as Witness
- Rule 607. Who May Impeach
- Rule 608. Evidence of Character and Conduct of Witness
- Rule 609. Impeachment by Evidence of Conviction of Crime
- Rule 610. Religious Beliefs or Opinions
- Rule 611. Mode and Order of Interrogation and Presentation
- Rule 612. Writing Used to Refresh Memory
- Rule 613. Prior Statements of Witnesses
- Rule 614. Calling and Interrogation of Witnesses by Court
- Rule 615. Exclusion of Witnesses
ARTICLE VII. OPINIONS AND EXPERT TESTIMONY
- Rule 701. Opinion Testimony by Lay Witnesses
- Rule 702. Testimony by Experts
- Rule 703. Bases of Opinion Testimony by Experts
- Rule 704. Opinion on Ultimate Issue
- Rule 705. Disclosure of Facts or Data Underlying Expert Opinion
- Rule 706. Court Appointed Experts
- Rule 801. Definitions
- Rule 802. Hearsay Rule
- Rule 803. Hearsay Exceptions; Availability of Declarant Immaterial
- Rule 804. Hearsay Exceptions; Declarant Unavailable
- Rule 805. Hearsay Within Hearsay
- Rule 806. Attacking and Supporting Credibility of Declarant
- Rule 807. Residual Exception
ARTICLE IX. AUTHENTICATION AND IDENTIFICATION
- Rule 901. Requirement of Authentication or Identification
- Rule 902. Self-authentication
- Rule 903. Subscribing Witness' Testimony Unnecessary
ARTICLE X. CONTENTS OF WRITINGS, RECORDINGS, AND PHOTOGRAPHS