8. SPECIAL RULES OF RELEVANCY

This class cover Rules 407-411, which all follow the same general pattern.

1. They are rules of relevancy.
2. They define a specific type of evidence and declare it inadmissible for a specific purpose
3. They except evidence if offered for a different purpose.
4. OBJECTIONS should therefore be made under the specific rule
5. RESPONSES must first take the item of evidence outside the specific rule. Two options are available:
       (a) The item of evidence does not fall under the rule in the first place because outside the definition
       (b) The item is offered for a purpose other than the forbidden one
6. If the response is successful, ADMISSIBILITY will be determined by Rule 403 -- whether the danger of confusion of issues between forbidden and permitted purposes substantially outweighs probative value.

Look at problem 8A, part one. The plaintiff offers evidence that after the accident, Hart Construction repaired mirrors on the bulldozers. What objection should the defendant make? When you think you know the answer, click here.