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When is Evidence Relevant?
Evidence
is “relevant” when it has applicability to the issues
presented in the case. Relevancy is that quality in evidence
that makes it properly applicable to the truth or falsity of
matters at issue between the parties. A fact is relevant when
it helps to prove an issue. It is such evidence that bears directly
upon the point of fact in issue and proves or has a tendency
to prove the point alleged.
Relevancy refers to the probative value of evidence and its
relationship to the purpose for which it is offered to prove.
Relevant evidence is that evidence that has any tendency to
make the existence of any fact that is of consequence to the
determination of the action more probable than it would otherwise
be without the evidence. Relevancy is the basic test for the
admissibility of evidence. Evidence is relevant if reasonable
inferences can be drawn that shed light on a contested matter.
Conversely, when information or evidence is deemed irrelevant
it should not be admitted into court. Irrelevant evidence
is that evidence that is deemed immaterial or not relating
to the matter at issue. Irrelevant evidence is deemed impertinent
to a fact or argument and it is not material to a decision
in the case. Irrelevant evidence is commonly objected to and
disallowed at trial.
For example, in a personal injury case, the insurance company
may attempt to dig up unfavorable information about claimants
in order to make the claimant appear in a negative light.
This is especially true if the claimant has a criminal background.
It is important that your lawyer be familiar with the rules
of evidence and know how to use those rules and protect your
interest by excluding irrelevant information from getting
into evidence. Most jurisdictions have a time limit on when
a criminal conviction can be admitted into evidence. Criminal
convictions may also be excluded if they are not felonies.
In many states, an arrest generally can not be admitted into
evidence in a personal injury case and even convictions can
be excluded if they are more than 10 years old.
Experienced personal injury trial lawyers understand the
rules of evidence and have a good idea of what they can get
into evidence in court and what they can exclude. Cases can
be won or lost based on what is admitted or excluded from
evidence at trial. When it comes to the rules of evidence,
what you don’t know can hurt you.
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