The Trial-Time/Forum Principle and the Nature of Evidence Rules

Abstract:     
This Article examines two principles that settle temporal and jurisdictional conflicts between evidentiary rules: the trial-time principle and the forum principle. Under the trial-time principle, evidentiary rules that exist at the time of the trial override rules that existed before trial when the relevant action or transaction took place. Under the forum principle, evidentiary rules of the court's jurisdiction override rules applicable in the jurisdiction in which the relevant action or transaction took place. These principles control the application of rules categorized as strictly evidentiary, as opposed to substantive. The Article explains, criticizes, and refines this categorization.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 23

Keywords: evidence, trial-time principle, forum principle, substantive versus evidentiary rules

working papers series