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evidence

Evidence is information that exists in physical or digital form—such as written agreements and e-mail communications—as well as testimony from witnesses who have personal knowledge of facts relevant to a dispute. Evidence generally must be relevant to be admitted in court and considered by the factfinder (judge or jury) in resolving a lawsuit. And some forms of evidence, such as expert witness testimony, must be shown to be sufficiently reliable (as determined by the judge) to be admitted in evidence.

In Minnesota, as in other jurisdictions, evidence must be relevant and reliable to be admissible in court. Relevance means that the evidence must have a direct bearing on the case and be helpful in determining the facts at issue. Reliability pertains to the quality of the evidence, which must be trustworthy and credible, especially in the case of expert witness testimony. Minnesota follows the Minnesota Rules of Evidence, which are similar to the Federal Rules of Evidence. These rules govern the admissibility of both physical and digital evidence, as well as the testimony of witnesses. Expert witnesses, in particular, must be qualified by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, and their testimony must be based on sufficient facts or data and be the product of reliable principles and methods. The judge in a Minnesota court has the discretion to determine the admissibility of evidence, and their decision is based on these and other evidentiary rules.

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Civil litigation

evidence

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Minnesota State Code

Minnesota State Code

Civil litigation

evidence

Articles