What is the Military Rules of Evidence (MRE)?

The Military Rules of Evidence (MRE) are a set of evidentiary rules that are used in all court-martials and other proceedings held in the military justice system. In California, this set of rules applies to the court-martials (which are essentially military trials) and other judicial proceedings conducted in the state. The primary purpose of the MRE is to ensure fairness in military proceedings by providing consistent rules for evidence. It also helps to ensure that defendants in military trials are treated fairly, as the MRE sets out to prevent evidence, testimony, and other forms of proof that would be considered inadmissible in a civilian court from being used in court-martials. The MRE consists of the following rules of evidence: rules governing the admission of documentary evidence, rules governing the admission of physical evidence, rules governing the admissibility of evidence of character or reputation, rules governing the admissibility of evidence from experts, rules governing the admissibility of opinion evidence, rules governing the admissibility of testimony from witnesses, and rules governing the admissibility of confessions and admissions. In California, the MRE applies to both active-duty and reserve military personnel, as well as to all civilian personnel who are subject to military law, including contractors and civilian workers. In addition, the MRE applies to members of the National Guard and to members of the armed forces who reside in the state. By applying the MRE to these individuals and proceedings, it helps ensure that they are treated fairly and that their rights are protected in any court-martial or other judicial proceedings.

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