What is the Military Rules of Evidence (MRE) 315?
The Military Rules of Evidence (MRE) 315 is a rule of evidence that applies to U.S. military courts within New York. It provides that a witness’s prior or refreshed statements must be used in order for them to be admitted in a military tribunal. This means that a witness must have the opportunity to review or refresh their memory using their prior statements before being allowed to testify. The rule applies to both direct and cross examination, and it requires an opportunity for the witness to review their prior statement, or for someone else to read the statement to them. The purpose of the rule is to ensure that the witness’s testimony is credible, and that their memory is refreshed before they testify. It also prevents parties from “surprising” a witness on the stand. This rule is in place to ensure a fair and just court case, and to protect the rights of all parties involved.
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