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Court Admissibility
Court Admissibility
Court admissibility refers to the process by which evidence is deemed suitable for consideration in a legal proceeding. For evidence to be admissible, it must meet certain criteria:
Criteria for Admissibility
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Relevance: The evidence must tend to prove or disprove some fact at issue in the case. It does not need to make the fact certain but must increase or decrease its likelihood.
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Reliability: The evidence must be reliable. This includes ensuring that documentary evidence is authentic and that witness testimony is credible. The reliability of expert testimony is often evaluated using the Daubert criteria, which include whether the evidence has been tested, peer-reviewed, and is generally accepted in the scientific community.
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Authenticity: The evidence must be genuine and not fabricated or altered. It must be in good condition and have a clear chain of custody.
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Compliance with Rules of Evidence: In the United States, federal courts follow the Federal Rules of Evidence, while state courts have their own rules, which often mirror the federal rules.
Who Decides Admissibility?
The decision on whether evidence is admissible is typically made by the trial judge. The judge acts as a gatekeeper, ensuring that only relevant and reliable evidence is presented to the jury or judge (in a bench trial).
Admissibility Process
- Presentation: Evidence is presented by attorneys.
- Review: The judge reviews the evidence to determine if it meets the criteria for admissibility.
- Ruling: If deemed admissible, the evidence is allowed into the trial. If not, it is excluded.
- Weight: Once admitted, the jury (or judge in a bench trial) determines the weight given to the evidence.