Article I – General Provisions

• Rule 101. Scope; Definitions
• Rule 102. Purpose
• Rule 103. Rulings on Evidence
• Rule 104. Preliminary Questions
• Rule 105. Limiting Evidence That Is Not Admissible Against Other Parties or for Other Purposes
• Rule 106. Remainder of or Related Statements

Summary of Article I

Article I of the Federal Rules of Evidence provides the general provisions and framework for the rest of the rules. It includes fundamental definitions, principles, and objectives of the rules of evidence in federal court proceedings. Here’s an explanation of some key aspects of Article I:

1. Scope and Purpose: Article I sets the scope of the Federal Rules of Evidence, specifying that they apply to all federal court proceedings, including civil, criminal, and bankruptcy cases. It emphasizes the purpose of the rules, which is to secure fairness in administration, elimination of unjustifiable expense and delay, and promotion of the growth and development of the law of evidence.
2. Definitions: The article defines important terms used throughout the rules, such as “court,” “judge,” “party,” “presiding officer,” “record,” and “writing.” These definitions help establish a common understanding of these terms for the application of the rules.
3. Preservation of Other Rules: Article I clarifies that the rules do not supersede statutes regulating the admission of evidence or affect the rules of evidence for privilege or hearsay.
4. Construction and Purpose of the Rules: The article emphasizes the importance of interpreting and construing the rules to secure fairness and promote the growth of the law of evidence. It encourages flexibility in their application to achieve these objectives.

In essence, Article I of the Federal Rules of Evidence provides the foundation and guiding principles for the rest of the rules. It emphasizes the importance of fairness, efficiency, and the development of evidence law in federal court proceedings.