Chapter Sixteen
Rules of Evidence
Rules of Evidence
Rules of evidence encourage
fairness
 Help to avoid judicial delay
 Assist in ascertaining the truth

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The Four Types of Evidence




testimony of a witness
exhibits
facts which the attorneys have
stipulated
judicial notice
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Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.
Testimony of a Witness
Lay witness
gives testimony about a subject of
which the witness has personal
knowledge
Expert witness
testifies about conclusions that may
be drawn based on his or her
expertise
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Types of Exhibits



Actual Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Demonstrative Evidence
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Types of Evidence
Direct Evidence
Circumstantial Evidence
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What is Relevancy?
Relevancy is the standard by which
testimony or physical evidence is
evaluated; relates directly to the
fact in question and proves, or has a
tendency to prove, a particular
legal theory
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Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.
What is Impeachment?
Impeachment is a tool used
to attack the credibility of a
witness
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Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.
What is Hearsay?
Hearsay evidence is an out-of-court
statement offered in evidence to
prove the truth of the matter
asserted
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© 2010 Pearson Higher Education,
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.