What are the rules of evidence in criminal cases?

In Maryland, the rules of evidence in criminal cases are found in the Maryland Rules of Evidence. These rules govern the introduction of evidence during criminal proceedings. Generally, evidence is considered relevant if it tends to prove or disprove a fact material to the case. To be admissible, the evidence must also be relevant, authentic, competent, and material. Relevance is determined by examining the relevance of the evidence to the facts in the case. Evidence is considered authentic if it is true to its source. Competence refers to the credibility of a witness or the condition of a piece of evidence. Material evidence is evidence that is directly relevant to the dispute at hand. In addition to the general rules of evidence, there are a few special rules of evidence specific to criminal cases, such as the hearsay rule and the rule against testimonial hearsay. The hearsay rule prohibits the introduction of hearsay evidence, which is out-of-court statements offered to prove the truth of the matter stated. Testimonial hearsay is hearsay that is offered to prove the truth of a statement made by a witness. When evidence is introduced into a criminal case, the presiding judge must determine whether it is admissible or not. If any of the above rules are violated, the evidence may be excluded and cannot be used by either party during the trial. Ultimately, the rules of evidence in criminal cases ensure that the proceedings are fair and reliable.

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What are the rules of evidence in criminal cases?

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