Are there any restrictions on the type of evidence I can submit in a small claims court case?
Yes, there are restrictions on the type of evidence that can be submitted in a small claims court case in Hawaii. Generally, all evidence in a small claims court case must be relevant to the case, meaning it must prove or disprove an issue related to the case. Testimony, documents, physical objects, and photographs can all be used as evidence. Evidence must be admissible, meaning it must not be hearsay or illegally obtained. Hearsay is when a witness testifies to something they heard but did not personally experience. Evidence must also be reliable, meaning it must be trustworthy and dependable. To be considered as evidence, all documents must be signed and dated. Witnesses must also provide details about their direct knowledge of the case and explain why they are qualified to testify. Photographs can be used as evidence, but they must be authenticated by a witness or expert testimony. Physical objects, such as a broken window or a damaged item, can be used as evidence if a witness testifies to what happened to the object in question. In Hawaii, a court may limit certain kinds of evidence if it is irrelevant, prejudicial, confusing, or misleading to the case. Additionally, if an item of evidence is very costly or difficult to obtain, the court may also limit its use in a small claims court case.
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