RULE 612. WRITING OR OBJECT USED TO REFRESH MEMORY
Effective Date: 3/1/1990
Obsolete Date: 3/1/2014
(a) While Testifying. If, while testifying, a witness uses a writing or object to refresh memory, an adverse party is entitled to have the writing or object produced at the trial, hearing, or deposition in which the witness is testifying.
(b) Before Testifying. If, before testifying, a witness uses a writing or object to refresh memory for the purpose of testifying and the court in its discretion determines that the interests of justice so require, an adverse party is entitled to have the writing or object produced, if practicable, at the trial, hearing, or deposition in which the witness is testifying.
(c) Terms and Conditions of Production and Use. A party entitled to have a writing or object produced under this rule is entitled to inspect it, to cross-examine the witness thereon, and to introduce in evidence those portions which relate to the testimony of the witness. If production of the writing or object at the trial, hearing, or deposition is impracticable, the court may order it made available for inspection. If it is claimed that the writing or object contains matters not related to the subject matter of the testimony, the court shall examine the writing or object in camera, excise any portions not so related, and order delivery of the remainder to the party entitled thereto. Any portion withheld over objections shall be preserved and made available to the appellate court in the event of an appeal. If a writing or object is not produced, made available for inspection, or delivered pursuant to order under this rule, the court shall make any order justice requires, but in criminal cases if the prosecution elects not to comply, the order shall be one striking the testimony or, if the court in its discretion determines that the interests of justice so require, declaring a mistrial.
Rule 612 was amended, effective March 1, 1990; March 1, 2014.
Rule 612 is identical to Rule 612 of the Uniform Rules of Evidence (1974). The rule varies from its federal counterpart in that it applies to objects as well as to writings. It was felt that objects used to refresh the memory of a witness, such as a recording tape, should be subject to production. This rule also departs from the federal rule by explicitly providing for inspection of writing or object at its location if production of the writing or object at trial is impracticable.
Subdivisions (a) and (b) were amended, effective March 1, 1990. The amendments are technical in nature and no substantive change is intended.
Rule 612 was amended, effective March 1, 2014, 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 26-27, 2012, page 26; March 24 25, 1988, page 12; December 3, 1987, pages 15 16; June 3, 1976, page 3. Rule 612, Uniform Rules of Evidence (1974); Fed.R.Ev. 612; Rule 612, SBAND proposal.
Cross Reference: N.D.R.Crim.P. 16 (Discovery and Inspection).