{"id":358004,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:18","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/evidence-law.html"},"modified":"2023-08-14T09:42:47","modified_gmt":"2023-08-14T14:42:47","slug":"evidence-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/evidence-law.html","title":{"rendered":"What are the Rules of Evidence?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Are the Rules of Evidence?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The rules of evidence determine what information a court can consider and how that evidence must be collected, preserved, and presented at trial. Judges decide whether evidence is admissible based on relevance, reliability, and fairness, following standards set by the Federal Rules of Evidence and state law.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Understanding these rules helps explain why some evidence is allowed, some is excluded, and how each piece contributes to proving or disproving the facts of a case.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Popular shows like “CSI” and its spinoffs have made physical evidence seem almost magical. Real trials like the O.J. Simpson trial in 1995 brought DNA evidence and blood spatter evidence into public knowledge. But in real life, strict legal rules dictate how evidence is collected, preserved, and presented in court.<\/p>\n

The rules of evidence are an entire law school class by themselves. This article summarizes the basic rules of evidence and some types of evidence admitted into court. While this article is a great primer, it cannot replace the knowledge of an attorney. If you are facing a criminal charge or pursuing a civil claim, consider contacting an attorney near you<\/a> for guidance.<\/p>\n

Definition of Evidence<\/h2>\n

For legal purposes,\u00a0evidence\u00a0is an “item or information offered to make the existence of a fact more or less probable.” In a criminal trial<\/a>, it is proof that the crime occurred. In a civil case<\/a>, it may be proof of a financial transaction.<\/p>\n

There are two types of admissible\u00a0evidence: direct evidence and circumstantial evidence.<\/p>\n