Скачать или смотреть Understanding Relevant And Admissible Evidence In A Criminal Trial | Washington State |

Washington State Attorney Jennifer Witt of Witt Law Group PS (WittLegal.com) discusses the critically important topic of relevant and admissible evidence in a criminal trial (ER 401). There is a critical relationship and balance between relevant and admissible evidence. To break it down:

1. Relevant Evidence
Relevant evidence is any information that directly relates to the elements of the charge(s). It helps prove or disprove something important in deciding the outcome.

Everyday Example: Imagine you’re trying to convince your boss that you deserve a raise. You might bring up your recent successful projects and positive client feedback. These are relevant because they directly relate to your performance at work. On the other hand, talking about your favorite TV show wouldn’t be relevant because it doesn’t have anything to do with your job performance.

In Court: Relevant evidence in a trial could be a witness statement, a document, or an object that helps establish whether something did or didn’t happen the way someone claims. In other words, it goes to prove or disprove an element.

2. Admissible Evidence
Even if evidence is relevant, it also needs to be admissible, meaning it meets the legal standards to be considered by the court. For evidence to be admissible, it must be reliable, obtained legally, and not unfairly prejudicial.

Everyday Example: Think of it like a job interview. You might have great stories to tell, but only those that are professional and appropriate will help your case. If you mention irrelevant personal details or rumors about your co-workers, the interviewer might dismiss them because they’re not reliable or fair to bring up.

In Court: Evidence that is admissible could include a properly authenticated document or credible witness testimony. However, things like hearsay (second-hand information) or evidence obtained illegally (like a stolen document) would usually not be admissible, even if they are relevant.

Putting It All Together
For evidence to be used in court, it has to be both relevant and admissible. This ensures that only information that matters to the case and is trustworthy is considered when making a decision.

Court Example: In a car accident case, a witness who saw the accident would provide relevant evidence about what happened. Their testimony would be admissible if they saw it firsthand and are testifying under oath. However, if someone only heard about the accident from a friend, that would not be admissible because it’s not reliable (hearsay).
Simple Summary

Relevant evidence is anything that helps prove or disprove a point that matters in the case.
Admissible evidence is relevant evidence that also meets legal standards for reliability and fairness.
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Witt Law Group PS
www.WittLegal.com
(360) 792-1000