What are the rules of evidence?

The rules of evidence refer to the process of introducing and considering different types of evidence in a court of law. In Washington, these rules have been established through numerous court decisions and state legislature. Generally, the rules of evidence are designed to ensure a fair trial by enabling the fact-finding process. In Washington, the rules of evidence are found in The Rules of Evidence, which is part of the Revised Code of Washington. These rules include the rules for admissibility of evidence, which determine which types of evidence may be presented in court. This includes physical items such as documents, photographs, and tangible objects, as well as testimony given by witnesses. The rules of evidence also dictate how evidence is to be presented and how witnesses should be questioned. This includes how witnesses should respond to questioning, their rights while in the courtroom, and the way in which evidence should be presented to the court. For example, the rules of evidence will dictate how a witness should answer questions and how attorneys must present evidence to the court. In addition, the rules of evidence dictate how certain types of evidence may be used. For example, a witness may not be allowed to testify about a personal opinion, only about what he or she has seen or heard. Likewise, a witness may not be allowed to testify about hearsay (statements from someone other than the witness). At their core, the rules of evidence are designed to ensure that a trial is conducted fairly and in accordance with the law. These rules give attorneys, witnesses, and judges the guidance and framework needed to practice justice in the court system.

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What are the rules of evidence?

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