New York Law (NYLE) Practice Exam

Which statement regarding the rules of evidence is false?

1. Evidence that is prejudicial is likely to confuse or mislead the jury

2. Evidence is relevant if it tends to prove or disprove a material fact

3. A trial judge must exclude any evidence that is prejudicial, even if it is otherwise probative

4. The purpose of the rules of evidence is to ensure that the jury hears all pertinent, reliable evidence

The correct answer is: A trial judge must exclude any evidence that is prejudicial, even if it is otherwise probative

The statement regarding the rules of evidence that indicates a trial judge must exclude any evidence that is prejudicial, even if it is otherwise probative, is indeed false. In the context of rules of evidence, it is recognized that evidence can have both probative value and prejudicial impact. A judge must consider whether the probative value of the evidence outweighs its potential for unfair prejudice. Thus, evidence that is relevant and valuable to the case may still be admitted, so long as it does not overly confuse or mislead the jury or create undue prejudice. The other statements accurately reflect principles of evidence. Evidence being prejudicial relates to its ability to mislead or confuse the jury, which is a valid concern in ensuring a fair trial. The definition of relevancy in evidence—entailing its ability to prove or disprove a material fact—is essential for determining what can be admissible in court. Lastly, the overarching purpose of the rules of evidence is to facilitate the presentation of all pertinent and reliable evidence, ensuring that the jury can make informed decisions based on the facts presented to them.