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

Rule 415. Similar Acts in Civil Cases Involving Sexual Assault or Child Molestation

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

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(a) PERMITTED USES. In a civil case involving a claim for relief based on a party's alleged sexual assault or child molestation, the court may admit evidence that the party committed any other sexual assault or child molestation. The evidence may be considered as provided in Rules 413 and 414.

(b) DISCLOSURE TO THE OPPONENT. If a party intends to offer this evidence, the party must disclose it to the party against whom it will be offered, including witnesses' statements or a summary of the expected testimony. The party must do so at least 15 days before trial or at a later time that the court allows for good cause.

(c) EFFECT ON OTHER RULES. This rule does not limit the admission or consideration of evidence under any other rule.

(As added Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXII, § 320935(a), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2137, eff. July 9, 1995; 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.