View source for (4)6.2.2 Objections and Evidentiary Screening

(a) <b>Objections</b>.

During trial, counsel may raise objections regarding the admissibility, form, or relevance of evidence. The court shall rule on all objections in accordance with [[(4)5_Evidentiary_Screening|Title 4, Chapter 5]] and applicable law.

(b) <b>Types of Objections</b>.

Objections may include, but are not limited to:

* <b>Relevance</b> – evidence that does not make a fact of consequence more or less probable (see [[(4)5_Evidentiary_Screening#(4)5.1.1_Relevant_Evidence|(4)5.1.1]]);
* <b>Prejudice</b> – evidence whose probative value is substantially outweighed by unfair prejudice, confusion, misleading the jury, undue delay, waste of time, or cumulative presentation (see [[(4)5_Evidentiary_Screening#(4)5.1.2_Exclusions|(4)5.1.2]]);
* <b>Character or Trait Evidence</b> – improper use to prove criminal propensity (see [[(4)5_Evidentiary_Screening#(4)5.2.1_General_Prohibition|(4)5.2.1]]);
* <b>Privileged Communications</b> – evidence protected under legal privilege without waiver (see [[(4)5_Evidentiary_Screening#(4)5.3.1_Privileged_Communications|(4)5.3.1]]);
* <b>Authentication/Foundation</b> – lack of sufficient foundation for evidence or exhibits (see [[(4)5_Evidentiary_Screening#(4)5.3.2_Authentication_&_Foundation|(4)5.3.2]]);
* <b>Hearsay</b> – statements offered for the truth of the matter asserted, unless an exception applies (see [[(4)5_Evidentiary_Screening#(4)5.3.3_Hearsay|(4)5.3.3]]).

(c) <b>Evidentiary Screening</b>.

The court shall pre-screen evidence to determine admissibility, ensuring:

# compliance with all standards set forth in [[(4)5_Evidentiary_Screening|Chapter 5]];
# avoidance of undue prejudice or confusion; and
# that the evidence is properly authenticated and legally permissible.

(d) <b>Limiting Instructions</b>.

When evidence is admitted for a specific, non-propensity purpose, the court shall, upon request, provide a limiting instruction to the jury describing the specific permitted use (see [[(4)5_Evidentiary_Screening#(4)5.2.2_Permitted_Uses|(4)5.2.2]]).

(e) <b>Judicial Rulings</b>.

The court’s rulings on objections and evidentiary screening are binding throughout the trial. The court may reconsider rulings as necessary to preserve fairness and the integrity of proceedings.