Study Evidence with expertly written law school outlines available in Full, Cram, and Bar exam formats.
Evidence tests your ability to apply the Federal Rules of Evidence to fact patterns quickly and precisely, and our outline is built for that. Relevance is covered under FRE 401 (any tendency) and FRE 403 (the probative-prejudicial balancing test), including the limits on character evidence under FRE 404 (the propensity prohibition and the mercy rule exception), prior bad acts under FRE 404(b), and methods of proving character under FRE 405. Hearsay is the centerpiece — we cover the FRE 801(c) definition, the 801(d) exclusions (prior inconsistent statements under oath, prior consistent statements, statements of identification, and opposing party statements including agent, co-conspirator, and adoptive admissions), and every FRE 803 and 804 exception in practical terms (present sense impression, excited utterance, then-existing mental or physical condition, medical diagnosis, recorded recollection, business records, public records, former testimony, dying declaration, statement against interest, statement of personal or family history). The FRE 807 residual exception is treated separately. Impeachment under FRE 607–609 covers prior inconsistent statements, bias, sensory defects, character for truthfulness, and convictions. Privileges — attorney-client (scope, waiver, crime-fraud exception), work product, spousal (testimonial and communications), doctor-patient, and clergy — are covered with jurisdictional nuance. Expert testimony under FRE 702 and the Daubert/Kumho reliability factors, authentication under FRE 901 and 902, the best evidence rule under FRE 1001–1008, and the rule of completeness under FRE 106 round out the outline. Available in Full, Cram, and Bar one-pager formats. Connects to Criminal Procedure (Confrontation Clause), Civil Procedure (expert disclosures), and Torts. Search terms: hearsay exceptions, FRE 803, 404(b) prior bad acts, Daubert expert testimony, attorney-client privilege, business records exception, present sense impression.