Rules of Evidence

Relevant Evidence in Criminal Trials

Relevance is the basic building block of evidence rules—evidence must be relevant to be admissible. For evidence to be relevant, there must be some logical connection between it and the fact it’s offered to prove or disprove.

Opening Statements: What the Prosecution and Defense Can and Can’t Say

In a typical criminal trial, after they have selected the jury, the prosecution and defense have the opportunity to give an opening statement.

Closing Argument in Criminal Trials

Read about the purpose and limitations of a closing statement in a criminal trial.

Handling Cross-Examination

Witnesses facing questioning by a hostile prosecutor should stay calm and focus only on the questions.

What Is a Chain of Custody for Evidence?

Chain of custody typically refers to the foundation the prosecution needs to establish for certain types of exhibits to be admitted into evidence.

Defendants and Character Evidence

Defendants can offer evidence of their good character—but not without risk.

Evidence of Prior Convictions: Admissible Against Defendants Who Testify?

When any witness, including a defendant, testifies, his or her credibility is at issue. The fact-finder (either judge or jury) must decide whether and how much to believe the witness.

Rape Shield Laws: Protecting Sex-Crime Victims

“Rape shield” laws are designed to protect the victims of sex crimes during criminal proceedings.

How Do Prosecutors Question Witnesses?

When they're depicted on television, prosecutors and other lawyers are often aggressive and seem to make statements to, rather than ask questions of, witnesses. Is this how it goes in a real courtroom?

What are "re-direct" and "re-cross" examination?

“Direct” examination refers to a lawyer’s questions of his or her own witness.

If I Tell My Psychologist About a Crime I Committed, Can I Get in Trouble?

Psychotherapy is, for the most part, confidential. Patients of mental health providers like psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers reasonably expect that their in-therapy disclosures will remain private.