Top Ten Things You Ought To Know
About Evidence in Juvenile Court


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1. HEARSAYAn out of court statement offered to prove the truth of its contents.

WHETHER OR NOT SOMETHING IS HEARSAY DEPENDS ON THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT IS BEING OFFERED
Common Exceptions:
a. Party statements
b. Statement against penal or pecuniary interest
c. Business record
d. Statements for purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment
d. Business records
f. Hospital records
g. Hearsay within hearsay
Exceptions that apply to Juvenile Court only:
a. Statements of a child about abuse 8-237
b. Court authorized reports
c. Reports submitted 30 days in advance of hearing
2. FOUNDATIONPreliminary information necessary before a witness may answer a question. For example:
a. Time, place
b. Background of an expert
Foundation for a photograph or drawing is that it is an accurate representation of the matter depicted in the photograph or drawing. The photographer or artist does not need to testify.

3. ASKED AND ANSWERED: There is no specific rule which prohibits a lawyer from asking a question more than once. Technically A & A is not an objection by which a party can demand relief. However, the court has the inherent power to control the conduct of the trial. Thus, a court can limit repetitious questioning. The objection doesn't exist but it is followed anyway.

4. IRRELEVANT:

a. Immaterial --Not germane to proceeding and possibly prejudicial or
b. Does not logically tend to prove fact at issue
5. LEADING QUESTION: Question itself suggest the answer.
a. Not permissible on direct or redirect examination
b. Perfectly acceptable for cross-examination
6. MOTION IN LIMINEPre-hearing motion to limit prospective testimony.

7. PREJUDICIALEvidence that is otherwise admissible but its probative value is outweighed by its ability to prejudice.

8. REFRESHING RECOLLECTION:
Anything can be used as long as it is shown to the other side.

9. STEPS TO ADMIT AN EXHIBIT:

a. Mark for identification
b. Show the other parties
c. Identify
d. Lay a foundation
e. Offer into evidence
f. Make objections
g. Judge Rules
10. LOSS OF PRIVILEGE:ARS §8-805