Federal Rules of Evidence · Article IV. Relevance and Its Limits

Rule 402. General Admissibility of Relevant Evidence

Federal Rules of Evidence, official text as in effect December 1, 2024.

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Relevant evidence is admissible unless any of the following provides otherwise: • the United States Constitution; • a federal statute; • these rules; or • other rules prescribed by the Supreme Court.

Irrelevant evidence is not admissible.

(As amended Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Source: Federal Rules of Evidence, December 1, 2024, Administrative Office of the United States Courts, uscourts.gov.

This page reproduces the official text of the Federal Rules of Evidence for reference. It is not legal advice and adds no commentary. It does not replace the official publication, local rules, or the law that applies in your court. Check the current official text before relying on it.