The Case for Selective Abolition of the Rules of Evidence

87 Pages Posted: 17 May 2006

See all articles by David Crump

David Crump

University of Houston Law Center

Date Written: May 3, 2006

Abstract

This article advocates selectively abolishing the exclusionary components in the Federal Rules of Evidence. Arguing that some parts of the existing rules cost more than the value of any benefits they provide, it is the author's position that the current system is sufficiently dysfunctional so as to make significant revisions in the Rules of Evidence worthwhile. The article examines the hearsay rule, the rules governing repetitive-behavior evidence, and issues regarding opinion evidence, experts, and authentication. The article proceeds to consider the rest of the FRE 400 series - particularly Rules 401 through 403 - and proposes modifications. Next, the article evaluates some overall issues that apply to these rules, including their impact upon trials and strategic responses by judges and litigants. Finally, the article considers separate rules that could be inaugurated if the existing rules were changed as suggested (including rules designed resolve trials in a speedier fashion).

Keywords: Federal Rules of Evidence, hearsay, live testimony, witness, deposition, cross examination, Confrontation Clause, Compulsory Process Clause, character evidence, similar crimes, repetitive behavior rule, Daubert factor, authentication, relevance, exclusion, trial expense, jury, exclusionary rules

JEL Classification: K00, K10, K41, K49, Z00, D23, D72

Suggested Citation

Crump, David, The Case for Selective Abolition of the Rules of Evidence (May 3, 2006). U of Houston Law Center No. 2006-W-07, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=901641 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.901641

David Crump (Contact Author)

University of Houston Law Center ( email )

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