Midlands Rules Of Evidence

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Rule 101.

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Scope

These rules govern proceedings in the courts of the State of Midlands to the extent and with the exceptions stated in MRE 1101. No bureaucratic organizations whose edicts govern conduct in Midlands are considered to exist unless specified within the case problem.

Comment: Midlands is recognized as being in the United States and as governed by the U.S. Constitution.

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Rule 102.

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Purpose and Construction

These rules shall be construed to secure fairness in administration, elimination of unjustifiable expense and delay, and promotion of growth and development of the law of evidence to the end that the truth may be ascertained and proceedings justly determined.

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Rule 103. (a)

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Rulings on Evidence

(a) Effect of Erroneous Ruling. Error may not be predicated upon a ruling which admits or excludes evidence unless a substantial right of the party is affected, and

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Rule 103. (a)(1)

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(1) Objection. In case the ruling is one admitting evidence, a timely objection or motion to strike appears of record, stating the specific ground of objection, if the specific ground was not apparent from the context; or

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Rule 103. (a)(2)

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(2) Offer of Proof.—In case the ruling is one excluding evidence, the substance of the evidence was made known to the court by offer or was apparent from the context within which questions were asked.

Once the court makes a definitive ruling on the record admitting or excluding evidence, either at or before trial, a party need not renew an objection or offer of proof to preserve a claim of error for appeal.

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Rule 103. (a)(3)

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(3) Use of evidence not admitted. Notwithstanding an offer of proof made, materials ruled inadmissible or stricken by the court, may not be used in closing argument.

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Rule 103. (b)

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Omitted.

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Rule 103. (c)

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(c) Hearing of Jury.—In jury cases, proceedings shall be conducted, to the extent practicable, so as to prevent inadmissible evidence from being suggested to the jury by any means, such as making statements or offers of proof or asking questions in the hearing of the jury.

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Rule 103. (d)

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(d) Plain Error.--Nothing in this rule precludes taking notice of plain errors affecting substantial rights although they were not brought to the attention of the court.