Admissibility of Evidence

What Is the Admissibility of Evidence in Court?

The admissibility of evidence refers to whether evidence is relevant and reliable enough to be formally admitted in a courtroom. A judge decides if the evidence meets the standards necessary for it to be used during a trial.

Admissible evidence is often called competent evidence or proper evidence. For evidence to be allowed, it must be relevant to the case and help the judge or jury—known as the trier of fact—make decisions based on the facts of the case.

How Admissibility of Evidence is Used in Connecticut Courtrooms

During legal proceedings, both plaintiffs and defendants can present evidence to support their case. Before trial, both sides typically review the other party’s evidence. If either party believes certain evidence shouldn’t be included, they can object to its admissibility. The rules governing evidence in Connecticut are aligned with the Federal Rules of Evidence, ensuring that only proper and relevant materials are used in court.

What Makes Evidence Admissible?

For evidence to be admissible in court, it must be:

1. Relevant
2. Competent
3. Material

Relevance

Evidence is considered relevant if it helps prove or disprove a fact in the case. While the evidence doesn’t need to make a fact absolutely certain, it must support the likelihood—or unlikelihood—of the fact. This is known as probative value.

Even if evidence is relevant, it may still be excluded if it’s:

• Misleading
• Confusing
• Prejudicial against the jury

Competence

Competent evidence is reliable, not based on hearsay, and follows legal standards of reliability. Rumors or unfounded claims are not admissible because they cannot be verified.

Materiality

Evidence must also be material, meaning it directly pertains to proving or disproving an important fact in the case.

Four Main Types of Admissible Evidence

There are four primary types of evidence that are generally considered admissible in court:

1. Real Evidence: Physical objects involved in the incident (e.g., clothing, weapons, or tools).
2. Demonstrative Evidence: Visual aids like images, diagrams, or models that help clarify facts.
3. Documentary Evidence: Records such as photographs, video footage, emails, or written contracts.
4. Testimonial Evidence: Statements made under oath by witnesses who take the stand.

Examples of admissible evidence might include written statements, blood test results, surveillance footage, or a weapon used in an incident. However, certain forms of evidence, like hearsay (testimony based on what someone else said outside of court), are generally inadmissible unless they meet specific exceptions.

What Happens When Evidence is Admitted?

Once evidence is deemed admissible by a judge, the jury or judge will then determine how much weight to give that evidence in their decision-making process. The strength of the evidence can significantly impact the outcome of the case.

The Importance of Evidence Preservation

In any legal case, preserving evidence is just as crucial as its admissibility. Evidence that is mishandled, lost, or not collected in a timely manner can be deemed inadmissible, even if it meets all other requirements. This is why taking immediate action after an incident is vital. Whether it’s securing physical evidence, documenting the scene, or obtaining witness statements, these steps ensure that critical information is protected. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we understand the importance of early evidence collection and preservation, and our team is dedicated to building a strong foundation for your case from the start.

Need Help With a Personal Injury Case? Contact Bert McDowell Injury Law

If you’re dealing with a personal injury case, navigating legal proceedings and understanding the rules of evidence can be overwhelming. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we have the expertise to ensure that your case is built on strong, admissible evidence to support your claim.

We’ll help you:

• Investigate the facts of your case
• Gather admissible evidence
• Handle objections to improper evidence from the opposing party

Why Choose Bert McDowell Injury Law?

• No Fees Unless We Win: You only pay if we recover compensation for you.
• Dedicated Legal Support: We’ll guide you through every step of the process.
• Free Consultations: Get the answers you need without any upfront costs.

Contact Us Today

Let us fight for the compensation you deserve. Call Bert McDowell Injury Law at (475) 231-3274 or reach out online for a FREE consultation.