What is the Military Rules of Evidence (MRE) 315?

The Military Rules of Evidence (MRE) 315 states that when evidence is presented before a court, an accused person is allowed to demand that the testimony of each witness must be given separately. This means that the witnesses must not confer or collaborate with each other until they have all testified. This rule is meant to protect the accused by preventing witness collusion and allowing the court to determine the accuracy of each witness’s testimony. MRE 315 further states that a military judge can allow witnesses to confer after they have finished testifying. However, the judge must make sure that the accused and the defense counsel have appropriate time to examine and refute any changes to a witness’s testimony. The judge also has the power to order concealed communications or contacts between witnesses to be revealed. MRE 315 applies to all military courts and is a key part of the U.S. Military Code of Justice. This rule is designed to ensure fairness and accuracy for the accused and protect them from unreliable or biased witness testimony. The rule gives defendants the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and ensure that their testimony has not been falsified or influenced by others. MRE 315 is important in protecting the rights of accused persons in the military justice system.

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