Federal Rules of Evidence · Article VI. Witnesses

Rule 614. Court’s Calling or Examining a Witness

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

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(a) CALLING. The court may call a witness on its own or at a party's request. Each party is entitled to cross-examine the witness.

(b) EXAMINING. The court may examine a witness regardless of who calls the witness.

(c) OBJECTIONS. A party may object to the court's calling or examining a witness either at that time or at the next opportunity when the jury is not present.

(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.

← Rule 613 Rule 615 →

More in Article VI. Witnesses Rule 601. Competency to Testify in General Rule 602. Need for Personal Knowledge Rule 603. Oath or Affirmation to Testify Truthfully Rule 604. Interpreter Rule 605. Judge’s Competency as a Witness Rule 606. Juror’s Competency as a Witness Rule 607. Who May Impeach a Witness Rule 608. A Witness’s Character for Truthfulness or Untruthfulness Rule 609. Impeachment by Evidence of a Criminal Conviction Rule 610. Religious Beliefs or Opinions Rule 611. Mode and Order of Examining Witnesses and Presenting Evidence Rule 612. Writing Used to Refresh a Witness’s Memory Rule 613. Witness’s Prior Statement Rule 615. Excluding Witnesses from the Courtroom; Preventing an Excluded Witness’s Access to Trial Testimony

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.