N.D.R.Ev.
RULE 403. EXCLUSION OF EXCLUDING
RELEVANT EVIDENCE ON GROUNDS
OF FOR PREJUDICE, CONFUSION, OR
WASTE OF TIME, OR OTHER REASONS
Although relevant, evidence
may be excluded if its probative value is substantially
outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury,
or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative
evidence.
The court may exclude relevant evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by a danger of one or more of the following: unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, misleading the jury, undue delay, wasting time, or needlessly presenting cumulative evidence.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Rule 403 was amended, effective ________________.
Rule 403 is an adaptation of Rule 403 of
the Federal Rules of Evidence. It does not change
North Dakota law, but rather codifies it. Evidence has been traditionally excluded on grounds
of remoteness, see, e.g., In re Graf's Estate, 119 N.W.2d 478 (N.D. 1963), and on grounds
that its probative value is not commensurate with the time required for its use as evidence.
See Jones v. Boeing Co., 153 N.W.2d 897 (N.D. 1967). The rule vests wide
discretion in the
trial court to control the introduction of evidence.
It should be noted that surprise is not
listed as a ground for exclusion. It has been stated that
granting Granting a continuance is the proper remedy for unfair surprise.
See Advisory
Committee's Note to Rule 403, FRE.
Rule 403 was amended, effective ______________, in response to the December 1, 2011, revision of the Federal Rules of Evidence. The language and organization of the rule were changed to make the rule more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. There is no intent to change any result in any ruling on evidence admissibility.
Sources: Joint Procedure Committee
Minutes: of___________________; April 8, 1976,
page 20; October 1, 1975, page 3. Rule
Fed.R.Ev.403, Federal Rules of Evidence; Rule 403,
SBAND proposal.