NCJ Number
80869
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
A representative panel of lawyers explains rules 401-411 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure on this videotape. The rules refer to charachter incidence and other kinds of evidence.
Abstract
Rule 401 defines relevant evidence. All relevant evidence is not necessarily admissible in a court case, as provided in rule 402, one example being a forced confession. Rule 403 provides for exclusion of evidence that is clearly relevant. This rule seeks to prevent unfair prejudice or confusion and is directed to the discretion of the court. Rule 404 discusses character evidence in the context of exception to the use of such evidence. The exceptions include character of the accused himself, the character of the victim, and the character of a particular witness. Rule 405 deals with the method for presenting character evidence and discusses how a character may be proven. A distinction is made between opinion testimony and reputation testimony. Rule 406 provides for the admissibility of habit and routine practice evidence, while rule 407 excludes evidence related to subsequent remedial measures taken after an event. Rule 408 excludes evidence of compromise and offers to compromise during a negotiation. The last few rules (409, 410, and 411) preclude as evidence payment of medical or similar expenses; exclude nolo contendere pleas, an offer to plead guilty, and a guilty plea withdrawn; and discuss liability insurance. Details of each rule are given.