What are the rules of evidence in criminal cases?

In criminal cases in Texas, the rules of evidence lay out what can and cannot be used to prove a charge against someone. Generally speaking, evidence must be relevant, trustworthy, and competent to be considered in a criminal case. Relevance means that the evidence must have a logical connection to the charges. Evidence must be trustworthy and accurate so that the court can rely on it. To be competent, the evidence must be legally admissible in court. This means that the court must consider factors such as whether the evidence was acquired in a manner that followed the law, or if it could be viewed as prejudicial by the jury. The rules of evidence also lay out how to authenticate evidence, such as through testimony from witnesses. Additionally, the rules may allow the use of hearsay evidence, which is evidence reported by someone else who heard it, but not directly observed it. However, the court may limit the use of hearsay as it may be deemed unreliable. The court may also consider certain types of special or circumstantial evidence in criminal cases. This includes evidence such as physical evidence, documents, or confessions that can be used to establish guilt. The rules of evidence in Texas may be complicated and require a thorough understanding of the law, so it is important to have a knowledgeable attorney to help guide you in court.

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What are the rules of evidence in criminal cases?

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