Federal Rules of Evidence Quiz

Questions and Answers

Under what circumstances can character evidence be used in a criminal case?

To prove the defendant's general bad character.

To introduce evidence of unrelated crimes to illustrate patterns of behavior.

To show the accused's knowledge, intent, or motive for the crime. (correct)

To establish the defendant's emotional state at the time of the crime.

What does Rule 404(b) primarily restrict?

The types of property that can be exhibited as evidence.

The introduction of prior crimes to establish character. (correct)

The presentation of evidence from unrelated cases.

The use of witness credibility evidence.

Which of the following is NOT a permissible use of character evidence in a criminal trial?

To demonstrate the accused's preparation to commit the crime.

To prove the accused's opportunity to commit the crime.

To link the accused to physical evidence at the scene.

To show the accused’s infallible character based on community reputation. (correct)

What is the main focus of Rule 609 of the FRE?

Allowing prior convictions to be used for witness impeachment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following serves as an exception to the general rule against using character evidence?

Linking the accused to a larger plan related to the charged crime. Signup and view all the answers

In a criminal case, which statement about character evidence is true?

It can be used to show the defendant's intent, especially if linked to physical evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of evidentiary privileges in court?

To prevent the disclosure of certain information in specific contexts. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of civil versus criminal law, character evidence is generally treated how?

More restrictively in criminal law than in civil law. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement for admissible testimony in common law systems?

It must involve fact, not opinion. Signup and view all the answers

Which rule is specifically designed to prevent unreliable evidence from being admitted in common law systems?

The character evidence rule. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes common law systems from civil law systems regarding evidence admission?

Common law systems include rules that restrict evidence admissibility. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following forms of evidence can be excluded under the rules of admissibility in common law?

Heard statements about an event by a co-conspirator. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions is a witness considered to have direct knowledge in common law?

If they participated in the act or directly observed it. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the rule of authentication is accurate?

Exhibits must be relevant and established as authentic to be admissible. Signup and view all the answers

In common law systems, which statement is true regarding the admissibility of prior convictions?

Prior convictions may be excluded if deemed irrelevant. Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence is considered an exhibit in a common law trial?

Tangible objects presented as evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor determining whether evidence is admissible in a common law system?

Relevance to material issues in dispute Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can evidence of prior convictions be admitted in court according to U.S. law?

To demonstrate motive in relevant cases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes evidence admissibility in civil law systems?

It is admitted based solely on relevance determined by the presiding judge Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence relevance is considered inadmissible under U.S. law?

Evidence that generally characterizes the defendant as a bad person Signup and view all the answers

In terms of impeachment of witnesses, which statement is true about the relevance of prior convictions?

They are relevant if they pertain to crimes of moral turpitude Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately reflects a key difference between common and civil law concerning evidence?

Common law systems allow broader discretion for judges regarding relevance Signup and view all the answers

Which principle regarding the relevance of evidence is critical for both common and civil law systems?

Only relevant evidence can be admitted for consideration Signup and view all the answers

For the admissibility of evidence to be granted, what must be established in relation to the facts in dispute?

The evidence must tend to make a disputed fact more or less likely Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Evidence in Court

Character evidence can affect the credibility of a witness, but is generally inadmissible to prove a person's character to show they acted in conformity with it.
Rule 404(b) of the U.S. Federal Rules of Evidence prohibits using prior crimes or acts to argue a defendant's general bad character in criminal cases.
For instance, if a person is charged with embezzlement, evidence from unrelated past thefts cannot typically be introduced to imply they have a tendency to steal.

Exceptions for Admissibility of Character Evidence

Character evidence may be used to establish:
- Knowledge, intent, or motive related to the crime.
- Existence of a larger plan that includes the crime charged.
- Preparation to commit the crime.
- Possession of tools or skills necessary for committing the crime.
- Opportunity for the accused to commit the crime.
- Evidence of threats or expressions of ill will.
- Connections between the accused and physical evidence.
- Conduct and comments made by the accused during arrest.
- Attempts to conceal identity or destroy evidence.
- Valid confessions.

Relevance of Evidence

Admissibility largely rests on the presiding judge's discretion, but evidence must be relevant to material issues.
In common law, evidence must pertain to facts at dispute, proving essential elements of the offense or related matters like motive and identity.
A piece of evidence might be relevant for one purpose but irrelevant for another, affecting its admissibility.

Requirements for Testimony

Testimony must be based on direct knowledge, not speculation or hearsay unless from an expert witness.
Direct knowledge includes:
- Active participation in the act.
- Witnessing the act.
- Receiving information directly from the defendant or co-conspirators.

Special Rules for Evidence Admission

Common law systems impose strict rules that limit evidence admission compared to civil law systems.
Key rules include:
- The rule of authentication requires evidence to be verified as genuine.
- The rule against character evidence prohibits wrongful implications of character.
- The rule against opinion testimony restricts non-expert opinions.
- The best-evidence rule necessitates original evidence when available.
- The hearsay rule excludes second-hand statements.

Exhibits as Evidence

In adversarial common law systems, exhibits must be relevant and authenticated to be admitted.
Exhibits encompass a wide range of tangible evidence, including documents and physical objects.
Court judges determine the admissibility of exhibits in trials.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the Federal Rules of Evidence, particularly Rule 404(b). This quiz covers character evidence and its admissibility in court, especially relating to the credibility of witnesses. Understand how prior crimes and acts are treated under these regulations.