Conditional Admission

Conditional Admission

Conditional Admission

Rule 104(b) permits admission where relevance depends on a fact, subject to later introduction of evidence supporting that fact. Failure to connect permits a motion to strike.

The court may admit subject to connection at its discretion.

Alternative Names:

Conditional Relevance|Subject to Connection

Why it Matters?

Moving to strike when the connection fails is the step counsel forgets, since evidence admitted conditionally remains before the jury unless the failure is raised and a curative instruction requested. Tracking conditionally admitted evidence through trial is a practical necessity. From the proponent's side, sequencing testimony to establish the predicate first avoids the risk entirely.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if the connection fails?

What happens if the connection fails?

The evidence remains before the jury unless counsel moves to strike and requests a curative instruction.

How does the proponent avoid the risk?

How does the proponent avoid the risk?

By sequencing testimony to establish the predicate fact before offering the dependent evidence.