2010 US Code
Title 28 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
FEDERAL RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE
FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE
Rule 610 - Religious Beliefs or Opinions
View Metadata| Publication Title | United States Code, 2006 Edition, Supplement 4, Title 28 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE |
| Category | Bills and Statutes |
| Collection | United States Code |
| SuDoc Class Number | Y 1.2/5: |
| Contained Within | Title 28 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE TITLE 28 - APPENDIX FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE ARTICLE VI. WITNESSES Rule 610 - Religious Beliefs or Opinions |
| Contains | rule 610 |
| Date | 2010 |
| Laws in Effect as of Date | January 7, 2011 |
| Positive Law | Yes |
| Disposition | standard |
| Source Credit | Pub. L. 93-595, §1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1936; Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987. |
| Statutes at Large Reference | 88 Stat. 1936 |
| Public Law Reference | Public Law 93-595 |
Rule 610. Religious Beliefs or Opinions
Evidence of the beliefs or opinions of a witness on matters of religion is not admissible for the purpose of showing that by reason of their nature the witness’ credibility is impaired or enhanced.
(Pub. L. 93–595, §1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1936; Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Proposed RulesWhile the rule forecloses inquiry into the religious beliefs or opinions of a witness for the purpose of showing that his character for truthfulness is affected by their nature, an inquiry for the purpose of showing interest or bias because of them is not within the prohibition. Thus disclosure of affiliation with a church which is a party to the litigation would be allowable under the rule. Cf. Tucker v. Reil, 51 Ariz. 357, 77 P.2d 203 (1938). To the same effect, though less specifically worded, is California Evidence Code §789. See 3 Wigmore §936.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1987 AmendmentThe amendment is technical. No substantive change is intended.
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