Rule 103.
Rulings on Evidence
(a) Effect of Erroneous Ruling. Error may not be
predicated upon a ruling which admits or excludes evidence unless a
substantial right of the party is affected, and
(1) Objection. In case the ruling is one admitting
evidence, a timely objection or motion to strike appears of record,
stating the specific ground of objection, if the specific ground was
not apparent from the context; or
(2) Offer of Proof. In case the ruling is one excluding
evidence, the substance of the evidence was made known to the court
by offer or was apparent from the context within which questions
were asked.
Once the court makes a definitive ruling on the record admitting or
excluding evidence, either at or before trial, a party need not
renew an objection or offer of proof the preserve a claim of error
for appeal.
(b) Record of Offer and Ruling. The court may add any other or
further statement which shows the character of the evidence, the
form in which it was offered, the objection made, and the ruling
thereon. It may direct the making of an offer in question and answer
form.
(c) Hearing of Jury. In jury cases, proceedings shall be conducted,
to the extent practicable, so as to prevent inadmissible evidence
from being suggested to the jury by any means, such as making
statements or offers of proof or asking questions in the hearing of
the jury.
(d) Plain Error. Nothing in this rule precludes taking notice of
plain errors affecting substantial rights although they were not
brought to the attention of the court.
|