FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
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Article IV Relevancy And Its Limits (Fed. Rules Evid. 401-415)
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(a) Character Evidence Not
Admissible To Prove Conduct; Exceptions; Other Crimes: Character Evidence
Generally
Rule 404(b) Character Evidence Not
Admissible To Prove Conduct; Exceptions; Other Crimes: Other Crimes, Wrongs, or
Acts
Rule 405(a) Methods Of Proving
Character: Reputation or Opinion
Rule 405(b) Methods Of Proving
Character: Specific Instances Of Conduct
Rule 406 Habit; Routine Practice
Rule 407 Subsequent Remedial Measures
Rule 408(a) Compromise And Offers To
Compromise: Prohibited Uses
Rule 408(b)
Compromise and Offers to Compromise: Permitted Uses
Rule 409 Payment Of Medical And
Similar Expenses
Rule 410 Inadmissibility Of Pleas,
Plea Discussions, And Related Statements
Rule 411 Liability Insurance
Rule 412(a) Sex Offense Cases;
Relevance Of Alleged Victim's Past Sexual Behavior Or Alleged Sexual
Predisposition: Evidence Generally Inadmissible
Rule 412(b) Sex Offense Cases;
Relevance Of Alleged Victim's Past Sexual Behavior Or Alleged Sexual
Predisposition: Exceptions
Rule 412(c) Sex Offense Cases;
Relevance Of Alleged Victim's Past Sexual Behavior Or Alleged Sexual
Predisposition: Procedure To Determine Admissibility
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
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 401 Definition Of "Relevant Evidence"
"Relevant evidence" means evidence having any
tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence to the
determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be
without the evidence.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1931.)
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC 25.13.2 [Admission Of Irrelevant Character Evidence Violates Federal Due Process].
See also NCJIC 254.1.3.2 [Duress/Coercion: Battered Person Syndrome Evidence Relevant].
See also NCJIC 300.1.8 [Due Process: Juror Consideration Of Irrelevant, Prejudicial Evidence].
See also NCJIC 300.11.1 [Constitutional Claims: Instruction Allowing Jury To Consider Irrelevant Evidence Violates Federal Constitution].
See also NCJIC 301.4.1.6 [Death Penalty: Constitution Requires Admission Of Relevant Mitigation Even If Not Admissible Under Traditional Rules Of Evidence].
See also NCJIC 303.7.8.2 [Death Penalty Mitigation: Physical Abuse Of Defendant As Child Is Relevant Mitigating Evidence Even Without Expert Testimony].
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 402 Relevant Evidence Generally Admissible; Irrelevant Evidence Inadmissible
All relevant evidence is admissible, except as otherwise
provided by the Constitution of the United States, by Act of Congress, by these
rules, or by other rules prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory
authority. Evidence which is not relevant is not admissible.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1931.)
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC 25.13.2 [Admission Of Irrelevant Character Evidence Violates Federal Due Process].
See also NCJIC 254.1.3.2 [Duress/Coercion: Battered Person Syndrome Evidence Relevant].
See also NCJIC 300.1.8 [Due Process: Juror Consideration Of Irrelevant, Prejudicial Evidence].
See also NCJIC 300.11.1 [Constitutional Claims: Instruction Allowing Jury To Consider Irrelevant Evidence Violates Federal Constitution].
See also NCJIC 301.4.1.6 [Death Penalty: Constitution Requires Admission Of Relevant Mitigation Even If Not Admissible Under Traditional Rules Of Evidence].
See also NCJIC 303.7.8.2 [Death Penalty Mitigation: Physical Abuse Of Defendant As Child Is Relevant Mitigating Evidence Even Without Expert Testimony].
RELATED FEDERAL MODEL INSTRUCTIONS:
See also 9th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 4.5.
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 403 Exclusion Of Relevant Evidence On Grounds Of Prejudice, Confusion, Or Waste Of Time
Although relevant, evidence may be excluded if its probative
value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion
of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue delay,
waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1932.)
For additional discussion of this rule see Issues Where Federal Rules Of Evidence Conflict With Case Law Or Are Silent: Case Law Divergence From The Federal Rules Of Evidence, FRE 403.
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC 25.2.5 [Potential Prejudice When Written Statement Offered As Exhibit Favors One Side].
See also NCJIC 25.13.2 [Admission Of Irrelevant Character Evidence Violates Federal Due Process].
See also NCJIC 39.1.1 [Does Offer To Stipulate To Prior Conviction Remove It From The Case?].
See also NCJIC 251.9.5 [Third Party Guilt: Reverse 404(b)].
See also NCJIC 254.1.3.2 [Duress/Coercion: Battered Person Syndrome Evidence Relevant].
See also NCJIC 300.1.8 [Due Process: Juror Consideration Of Irrelevant, Prejudicial Evidence].
See also NCJIC 300.11.1 [Constitutional Claims: Instruction Allowing Jury To Consider Irrelevant Evidence Violates Federal Constitution].
See also NCJIC 301.4.1.6 [Death Penalty: Constitution Requires Admission Of Relevant Mitigation Even If Not Admissible Under Traditional Rules Of Evidence].
See also NCJIC 303.7.8.2 [Death Penalty Mitigation: Physical Abuse Of Defendant As Child Is Relevant Mitigating Evidence Even Without Expert Testimony].
RELATED FEDERAL MODEL INSTRUCTIONS:
See also 1st Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.05.
See also 6th Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions - Criminal 7.13.
See also 8th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 4.09.
See also 9th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.4.
See also 9th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 4.3.
See also 11th Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions - Criminal OI 34.5.
RELATED FEDERAL MANUALS:
See A Manual On Recurring Problems [Part V(A) 4. Balancing Probative Value of Evidence Against Prejudicial Effect: General Principles].
See also A Manual On Recurring Problems [Part V(A) 4a. Balancing Probative Value Of Evidence Against Prejudicial Effect: Balancing Under Rule 403].
See also A Manual On Recurring Problems [Part V(A) 4b. Balancing Probative Value Of Evidence Against Prejudicial Effect: Balancing Under Rule 609(a)].
See also A Manual On Jury Trial Procedures [1.1 D Right To A Jury Trial: Stipulations Re Elements (Criminal)].
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 404(a) Character Evidence Not Admissible To Prove Conduct; Exceptions; Other Crimes: Character Evidence Generally
Evidence of a person's character or a trait of character is
not admissible for the purpose of proving action in conformity therewith on a
particular occasion, except:
(1) Character of accused. In a criminal case, evidence of a
pertinent trait of character offered by an accused, or by the prosecution to
rebut the same, or if evidence of a trait of character of the alleged victim of
the crime is offered by an accused and admitted under Rule 404
(a)(2), evidence of the same trait of character of the accused offered by
the prosecution;
(2) Character of alleged victim. In a criminal case, and
subject to the limitations imposed by Rule 412,
evidence of a pertinent trait of character of the alleged victim of the crime
offered by an accused, or by the prosecution to rebut the same, or evidence of a
character trait of peacefulness of the alleged victim offered by the prosecution
in a homicide case to rebut evidence that the alleged victim was the first
aggressor;
(3) Character of witness. Evidence of the character of a
witness, as provided in Rules 607,
608, and 609.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1932; As amended Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Dec.
1, 1991; Apr. 17, 2000, eff. Dec. 1, 2000; Dec. 1, 2006.)
For additional discussion of this rule see Issues Where Federal Rules Of Evidence Conflict With Case Law Or Are Silent: Case Law Divergence From The Federal Rules Of Evidence, FRE 404(a).
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC 25.13 [Character Evidence].
See also NCJIC 26.11.1 [Character And Reputation Evidence].
See also NCJIC 48.2.3 [Victim's Prior Bad Acts Or Character].
See also NCJIC 51.2.4 [Good Character].
See also NCJIC 251.4 [Good Character Of Defendant].
See also NCJIC 253.4.7 [Character Of Defendant].
See also NCJIC 253.4.8 [Character Of “Victim”].
See also NCJIC 257.3.4.2 [Entrapment: Defendant’s Right To Present Evidence Of Good Character].
See also NCJIC 303.7.1.10 [Death Penalty: Good Character As Mitigation].
See also NCJIC 305.4.3 [Defendant's Character].
RELATED FEDERAL MODEL INSTRUCTIONS:
See 7th Circuit Federal Instructions - Criminal 3.12.
See also 8th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 4.02.
See also 9th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.11.
See also 9th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 4.5.
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 404(b) Character Evidence Not Admissible To Prove Conduct; Exceptions; Other Crimes: Other Crimes, Wrongs, Or Acts
Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible
to prove the character of a person in order to show action in conformity
therewith. It may, however, be admissible for other purposes, such as proof of
motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence
of mistake or accident, provided that upon request by the accused, the
prosecution in a criminal case shall provide reasonable notice in advance of
trial, or during trial if the court excuses pretrial notice on good cause shown,
of the general nature of any such evidence it intends to introduce at trial.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1932; As amended Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Dec.
1, 1991; Apr. 17, 2000, eff. Dec. 1, 2000; Dec. 1, 2006.)
For additional discussion of this rule see Issues Where Federal Rules Of Evidence Conflict With Case Law Or Are Silent: Examples Of Case Law Development Where FRE And Committee Notes Are Silent, FRE 404(b).
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC 26.5 [Uncharged Acts To Prove Issues Other Than Propensity].
See NCJIC 25.13.7 [Uncharged Acts: Not Relevant To Show Bad Character Or Criminal Propensity Or That Defendant Committed The Charged Act].
See also NCJIC 25.20.2 [Uncharged Acts Offered To Prove Propensity: Jury Must Find Defendant Guilty Of Charged Offense Beyond A Reasonable Doubt].
See also NCJIC 26.1.6 [Limited Purpose Evidence: Scope And Purpose Of Instruction].
See also NCJIC 251.11.1 [Reverse 404(b): Defense Theory That Defendant Didn't Commit Uncharged Similar Crime].
RELATED FEDERAL MODEL INSTRUCTIONS:
See also 1st Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.04.
See also 6th Circuit Pattern Federal Jury Instructions - Criminal 7.05A.
See also 6th Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions - Criminal 7.13.
See also 7th Circuit Federal Jury Instructions - Criminal 3.04.
See also 7th Circuit Federal Jury Instructions - Criminal 3.05.
See also 8th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.08.
See also 8th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.09.
See also 9th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.10.
See also 9th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.11.
See also 9th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 3.11.
See also 9th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 4.3.
See also 11th Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions - Criminal Preface.
See also Federal Judicial Center, PATTERN CRIMINAL JURY INSTRUCTIONS 50 [Evidence Of Other Crimes, Wrongs, Or Acts Of Defendant To Show Intent, Knowledge, Etc.].
RELATED FEDERAL MANUALS:
See A Manual On Recurring Problems [Part V(A) 8. “Other Crimes” Evidence: General Principles].
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 405(a) Methods Of Proving Character: Reputation Or Opinion
In all cases in which evidence of character or a trait of character of a person is admissible, proof may be made by testimony as to reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On cross-examination, inquiry is allowable into relevant specific instances of conduct.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1932; As amended Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987.)
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC 251.4.3 [Good Character Defense: Strategic Concerns].
See also NCJIC 25.13 [Character Evidence].
See also NCJIC 26.11.1 [Character And Reputation Evidence].
See also NCJIC 48.2.3 [Victim's Prior Bad Acts Or Character].
See also NCJIC 51.2.4 [Good Character].
See also NCJIC 251.4 [Good Character Of Defendant].
See also NCJIC 251.4.3.1 [Good Character Of Defendant: Limitation On Jury’s Consideration Of Rebuttal Witnesses Offered By Prosecution].
See also NCJIC 251.4.3.2 [Rebuttal Of Defendant's Good Character Evidence With "Have You Heard" Questions].
See also NCJIC 253.4.7 [Character Of Defendant].
See also NCJIC 253.4.8 [Character Of “Victim”].
See also NCJIC 257.3.4.2 [Entrapment: Defendant’s Right To Present Evidence Of Good Character].
See also NCJIC 303.7.1.10 [Death Penalty: Good Character As Mitigation].
See also NCJIC 305.4.3 [Defendant's Character].
RELATED FEDERAL MODEL INSTRUCTIONS:
See 8th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.10.
See also 8th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 4.03.
See also Federal Judicial Center, PATTERN CRIMINAL JURY INSTRUCTIONS 51 [Evidence Of Defendant's Good Character].
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 405(b) Methods Of Proving Character: Specific Instances Of Conduct
In cases in which character or a trait of character of a
person is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense, proof may also be
made of specific instances of that person's conduct.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1932; As amended Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987.)
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC 25.13 [Character Evidence].
See also NCJIC 26.11.1 [Character And Reputation Evidence].
See also NCJIC 48.2.3 [Victim's Prior Bad Acts Or Character].
See also NCJIC 51.2.4 [Good Character].
See also NCJIC 251.4 [Good Character Of Defendant].
See also NCJIC 253.4.7 [Character Of Defendant].
See also NCJIC 253.4.8 [Character Of “Victim”].
See also NCJIC 257.3.4.2 [Entrapment: Defendant’s Right To Present Evidence Of Good Character].
See also NCJIC 303.7.1.10 [Death Penalty: Good Character As Mitigation].
See also NCJIC 305.4.3 [Defendant's Character].
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 406 Habit; Routine Practice
Evidence of the habit of a person or of the routine practice
of an organization, whether corroborated or not and regardless of the presence
of eyewitnesses, is relevant to prove that the conduct of the person or
organization on a particular occasion was in conformity with the habit or
routine practice.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1932.)
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 407 Subsequent Remedial Measures
When, after an injury or harm allegedly caused by an event,
measures are taken that, if taken previously, would have made the 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, a defect in a
product's design, or a need for a warning or instruction. This rule does not
require the exclusion of evidence of subsequent measures when offered for
another purpose, such as proving ownership, control, or feasibility of
precautionary measures, if controverted, or impeachment.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1932; As amended Apr. 11, 1997, eff. Dec. 1, 1997.)
For additional discussion of this rule see Issues Where Federal Rules Of Evidence Conflict With Case Law Or Are Silent: Case Law Divergence From The Federal Rules Of Evidence, FRE 407.
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 408(a) Compromise And Offers To Compromise: Prohibited Uses
Evidence of the following is not admissible on behalf of any
party, when offered to prove liability for, invalidity of, or amount of a claim
that was disputed as to validity or amount, or to impeach through a prior
inconsistent statement or contradiction:
(1) furnishing or offering or promising to furnish--or
accepting or offering or promising to accept--a valuable consideration in
compromising or attempting to compromise the claim; and
(2) conduct or statements made in compromise negotiations
regarding the claim, except when offered in a criminal case and the negotiations
related to a claim by a public office or agency in the exercise of regulatory,
investigative, or enforcement authority.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1933; Dec. 1, 2006.)
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 408(b) Compromise and Offers to Compromise: Permitted Uses
This rule does not require exclusion if the evidence is
offered for purposes not prohibited by subdivision (a). Examples of permissible
purposes include proving a witness's bias or prejudice; negating a contention of
undue delay; and proving an effort to obstruct a criminal investigation or
prosecution.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1933; Dec. 1, 2006.)
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 409 Payment Of Medical And Similar Expenses
Evidence of furnishing or offering or promising to pay
medical, hospital, or similar expenses occasioned by an injury is not admissible
to prove liability for the injury.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1933.)
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 410 Inadmissibility Of Pleas, Plea Discussions, And Related Statements
Except as otherwise provided in this rule, evidence of the
following is not, in any civil or criminal proceeding, admissible against the
defendant who made the plea or was a participant in the plea discussions:
(1) a plea of guilty which was later withdrawn;
(2) a plea of nolo contendere;
(3) any statement made in the course of any proceedings under Rule 11
of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure or comparable state procedure
regarding either of the foregoing pleas; or
(4) any statement made in the course of plea discussions with
an attorney for the prosecuting authority which do not result in a plea of
guilty or which result in a plea of guilty later withdrawn.
However, such a statement is admissible (i) in any proceeding wherein another
statement made in the course of the same plea or plea discussions has been
introduced and the statement ought in fairness be considered contemporaneously
with it, or (ii) in a criminal proceeding for perjury or false statement if the
statement was made by the defendant under oath, on the record and in the
presence of counsel.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1933; As amended Dec. 12, 1975, P.L.
94-149, § 1(9), 89 Stat. 805; Apr. 30, 1979, eff. Dec. 1, 1980.)
For additional discussion of this rule see Issues Where Federal Rules Of Evidence Conflict With Case Law Or Are Silent: Examples Of Case Law Development Where FRE And Committee Notes Are Silent, FRE 410.
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC 19.4.2 [Jury Not To Consider The Guilty Plea Of An Accomplice Or Codefendant].
See also NCJIC 26.2.3 [Witness Who Has Entered Guilty Plea: Limited Purpose Instruction].
See also NCJIC 83.3.13.4 [Limiting Instruction When Prosecution Elicits Alleged Coconspirator’s Guilty Plea Or Conviction Of The Same Charge For Which The Defendant Is On Trial].
See also NCJIC 270.2.14 [Improper To Instruct That Plea Of Not Guilty Constitutes A Denial Of Every Material Allegation In The Charges].
RELATED FEDERAL MANUALS:
See A Manual On Recurring Problems [Part V(A) 7a. Receipt Of Expert Testimony: Prior Consistent And Inconsistent Statements].
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 411 Liability Insurance
Evidence that a person was or was not insured against
liability is not admissible upon the issue whether the person acted negligently
or otherwise wrongfully. This rule does not require the exclusion of evidence of
insurance against liability when offered for another purpose, such as proof of
agency, ownership, or control, or bias or prejudice of a witness.
History:
(Jan. 2, 1975, P.L. 93-595, § 1, 88 Stat. 1933; As amended Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987.)
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 412(a) Sex Offense Cases; Relevance Of Alleged Victim's Past Sexual Behavior Or Alleged Sexual Predisposition: Evidence Generally Inadmissible
The following evidence is not admissible in any civil or
criminal proceeding involving alleged sexual misconduct except as provided in
subdivisions (b) and (c):
(1) Evidence offered to prove that any alleged victim engaged
in other sexual behavior.
(2) Evidence offered to prove any alleged victim's sexual
predisposition.
History:
(As added Oct. 28, 1978, eff. Nov. 28, 1978, P.L. 95-540, § 2(a), 92 Stat.
2046; amended Nov. 18, 1988, P.L. 100-690, Title VII, Subtitle B, § 7046(a),
102 Stat. 4400;
Apr. 29, 1994, eff. Dec. 1, 1994; Sept. 13, 1994, P.L. 103-322, Title IV,
Subtitle A, Ch 4, § 40141(b), 109 Stat. 1919 eff. Dec. 1, 1994.)
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC 252.6.2.2 [Evidence Of Other Sexual Activity With Same Victim To Show Actual Consent Or Reasonable Belief In Consent].
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 412(b) Sex Offense Cases; Relevance
Of Alleged Victim's Past Sexual Behavior Or Alleged Sexual Predisposition: Exceptions
(1) In a criminal case, the following evidence is admissible, if otherwise
admissible under these rules:
(A) evidence of specific instances of sexual behavior by the
alleged victim offered to prove that a person other than the accused was the
source of semen, injury or other physical evidence;
(B) evidence of specific instances of sexual behavior by the
alleged victim with respect to the person accused of the sexual misconduct
offered by the accused to prove consent or by the prosecution; and
(C) evidence the exclusion of which would violate the
constitutional rights of the defendant.
(2) In a civil case, evidence offered to prove the sexual behavior or sexual
predisposition of any alleged victim is admissible if it is otherwise admissible
under these rules and its probative value substantially outweighs the danger of
harm to any victim and of unfair prejudice to any party. Evidence of an alleged
victim's reputation is admissible only if it has been placed in controversy by
the alleged victim.
History:
(As added Oct. 28, 1978, eff. Nov. 28, 1978, P.L. 95-540, § 2(a), 92 Stat.
2046; amended Nov. 18, 1988, P.L. 100-690, Title VII, Subtitle B, § 7046(a),
102 Stat. 4400;
Apr. 29, 1994, eff. Dec. 1, 1994; Sept. 13, 1994, P.L. 103-322, Title IV,
Subtitle A, Ch 4, § 40141(b), 109 Stat. 1919 eff. Dec. 1, 1994.)
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC 252.6.2.2 [Evidence Of Other Sexual Activity With Same Victim To Show Actual Consent Or Reasonable Belief In Consent].
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 412(c) Sex Offense Cases; Relevance Of Alleged Victim's Past Sexual Behavior Or Alleged Sexual Predisposition: Procedure To Determine Admissibility
(1) A party intending to offer evidence under subdivision (b)
must--
(A) file a written motion at least 14 days before trial
specifically describing the evidence and stating the purpose for which it is
offered unless the court, for good cause requires a different time for filing or
permits filing during trial; and
(B) serve the motion on all parties and notify the alleged
victim or, when appropriate, the alleged victim's guardian or representative.
(2) Before admitting evidence under this rule the court must conduct a hearing
in camera and afford the victim and parties a right to attend and be heard. The
motion, related papers, and the record of the hearing must be sealed and remain
under seal unless the court orders otherwise.
History:
(As added Oct. 28, 1978, eff. Nov. 28, 1978, P.L. 95-540, § 2(a), 92 Stat.
2046; amended Nov. 18, 1988, P.L. 100-690, Title VII, Subtitle B, § 7046(a),
102 Stat. 4400;
Apr. 29, 1994, eff. Dec. 1, 1994; Sept. 13, 1994, P.L. 103-322, Title IV,
Subtitle A, Ch 4, § 40141(b), 109 Stat. 1919 eff. Dec. 1, 1994.)
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC 252.6.2.2 [Evidence Of Other Sexual Activity With Same Victim To Show Actual Consent Or Reasonable Belief In Consent].
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 413 Evidence Of Similar Crimes In Sexual Assault Cases
(a) In a criminal case in which the defendant is accused of
an offense of sexual assault, evidence of the defendant's commission of another
offense or offenses of sexual assault is admissible, and may be considered for
its bearing on any matter to which it is relevant.
(b) In a case in which the Government intends to offer evidence under this rule,
the attorney for the Government shall disclose the evidence to the defendant,
including statements of witnesses or a summary of the substance of any testimony
that is expected to be offered, at least fifteen days before the scheduled date
of trial or at such later time as the court may allow for good cause.
(c) This rule shall not be construed to limit the admission or consideration of
evidence under any other rule.
(d) For purposes of this rule and Rule
415, "offense of sexual assault" means a crime under Federal law
or the law of a State (as defined in section 513 of title 18, United States
Code) that involved--
(1) any conduct proscribed by chapter 109A of title 18,
United States Code;
(2) contact, without consent, between any part of the
defendant's body or an object and the genitals or anus of another person;
(3) contact, without consent, between the genitals or anus of
the defendant and any part of another person's body;
(4) deriving sexual pleasure or gratification from the
infliction of death, bodily injury, or physical pain on another person; or
(5) an attempt or conspiracy to engage in conduct described
in paragraphs (1)-(4).
History:
(Added Sept. 13, 1994, P.L. 103-322, Title XXXII, Subtitle I, § 320935(a), 108
Stat. 2136 eff. July 9, 1995.)
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC See NCJIC 25.20 [Uncharged Acts To Prove Propensity (FRE 413-415)].
See also NCJIC 251.9.5 [Third Party Guilt: Reverse 404(b)].
RELATED FEDERAL MODEL INSTRUCTIONS:
See 1st Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.05.
See also 8th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.08.
See also 9th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.10.
RELATED FEDERAL MANUALS:
See A Manual On Recurring Problems [Part V(A) 8. “Other Crimes” Evidence: General Principles].
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 414 Evidence Of Similar Crimes In Child Molestation Cases
(a) In a criminal case in which the defendant is accused of
an offense of child molestation, evidence of the defendant's commission of
another offense or offenses of child molestation is admissible, and may be
considered for its bearing on any matter to which it is relevant.
(b) In a case in which the Government intends to offer evidence under this rule,
the attorney for the Government shall disclose the evidence to the defendant,
including statements of witnesses or a summary of the substance of any testimony
that is expected to be offered, at least fifteen days before the scheduled date
of trial or at such later time as the court may allow for good cause.
(c) This rule shall not be construed to limit the admission or consideration of
evidence under any other rule.
(d) For purposes of this rule and Rule
415, "child" means a person below the age of fourteen, and
"offense of child molestation" means a crime under Federal law or the
law of a State (as defined in section 513 of title 18, United States Code) that
involved--
(1) any conduct proscribed by chapter 109A of title 18,
United States Code, that was committed in relation to a child;
(2) any conduct proscribed by chapter 110 of title 18, United
States Code;
(3) contact between any part of the defendant's body or an
object and the genitals or anus of a child;
(4) contact between the genitals or anus of the defendant and
any part of the body of a child;
(5) deriving sexual pleasure or gratification from the
infliction of death, bodily injury, or physical pain on a child; or
(6) an attempt or conspiracy to engage in conduct described
in paragraphs (1)-(5).
History:
(AddedSept. 13, 1994, P.L. 103-322, Title XXXII, Subtitle I, § 320935(a), 108
Stat. 2136 eff. July 9, 1995.)
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC 25.20 [Uncharged Acts To Prove Propensity (FRE 413-415)].
See also NCJIC 251.9.5 [Third Party Guilt: Reverse 404(b)].
RELATED FEDERAL MODEL INSTRUCTIONS:
See 1st Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.05.
See also 8th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.08.
See also 9th Circuit Model Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.10.
RELATED FEDERAL MANUALS:
See A Manual On Recurring Problems [Part V(A) 8. “Other Crimes” Evidence: General Principles].
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Effective July 1, 1975, as amended to December 1, 2007
Rule 415 Evidence Of Similar Acts In Civil Cases Concerning Sexual Assault Or Child Molestation
(a) In a civil case in which a claim for damages or other
relief is predicated on a party's alleged commission of conduct constituting an
offense of sexual assault or child molestation, evidence of that party's
commission of another offense or offenses of sexual assault or child molestation
is admissible and may be considered as provided in Rule
413 and Rule 414 of these
rules.
(b) A party who intends to offer evidence under this Rule shall disclose the
evidence to the party against whom it will be offered, including statements of
witnesses or a summary of the substance of any testimony that is expected to be
offered, at least fifteen days before the scheduled date of trial or at such
later time as the court may allow for good cause.
(c) This rule shall not be construed to limit the admission or consideration of
evidence under any other rule.
History:
(Added Sept. 13, 1994, P.L. 103-322, Title XXXII, Subtitle I, § 320935(a), 108
Stat. 2137, eff. July 9, 1995.)
Related NCJIC Materials:
See NCJIC 25.20 [Uncharged Acts To Prove Propensity (FRE 413-415)].
See also NCJIC 251.9.5 [Third Party Guilt: Reverse 404(b)].
RELATED FEDERAL MODEL INSTRUCTIONS:
See also 1st Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions - Criminal 2.05.
RELATED FEDERAL MANUALS:
See A Manual On Recurring Problems [Part V(A) 8. “Other Crimes” Evidence: General Principles].