Michigan Rules 901-903 - Evidence Authentication Ever wondered how that document or recording made its way into a Michigan courtroom? The answer lies in Michigan Rules of Evidence 901 to 903, which govern the crucial step of authenticating evidence. This article...
Understanding the Rule of Completeness in Michigan Courts
Understanding the Rule of Completeness in Michigan Courts: MRE 106
In the pursuit of truth and ensuring fairness during legal proceedings, the Michigan Rules of Evidence (MRE) play a crucial role.
One particular rule, MRE 106 (Completeness), safeguards against misleading interpretations and fosters a more comprehensive understanding of presented evidence.
What is the Rule of Completeness?
MRE 106 states: “If a party introduces part of a writing or recorded statement, any other party may introduce the remainder, or so much thereof as is relevant to the portion introduced, if the remainder or portion thereof offered completes the statement or renders it more understandable.”
In simpler terms, when a portion of a written or recorded statement is presented in court, the opposing party has the right to introduce the remaining relevant parts of the statement.
This ensures that the jury or judge hears the full context and avoids being swayed by a potentially misleading snippet of evidence.
Why is the Rule of Completeness Important?
Imagine a scenario where the prosecution presents a written excerpt from a witness’s statement, highlighting a specific sentence that seemingly incriminates the defendant. Without the complete statement, the jury might be left with an incomplete picture, potentially overlooking crucial contextual details or even contradictory information that could exonerate the defendant.
MRE 106 prevents such scenarios by allowing the defense to introduce the remaining relevant parts of the statement. This ensures that:
- The jury has access to a more complete picture and can make a well-informed decision based on all relevant information.
- Misleading interpretations are minimized as the opposing party can present the full context of the statement.
- Fairness is upheld by allowing both sides to present a complete picture of their case.
It’s important to note:
- The opposing party can only introduce relevant portions of the statement, not everything. The court will determine what constitutes relevant information based on the specific case and the previously introduced portion.
- MRE 106 only applies to written or recorded statements, not oral statements.
Conclusion
MRE 106 plays a vital role in ensuring fairness and promoting a complete understanding of evidence in Michigan courts. By allowing the introduction of relevant, contextual information, the rule helps prevent misleading interpretations and fosters a more just legal process.
Related Articles
Evidence in Michigan Courts: Rules 901-903 Authenticating Evidence
Evidence in Michigan Courts: Rule 801-807 Hearsay Evidence
Michigan Rules of Evidence 801-807 Hearsay: In the courtroom, truth-finding is paramount. Yet, not every statement offered as evidence directly reveals the truth. Enter the realm of hearsay, statements made out of court, and the complex rules governing their...
Evidence in Michigan Courts: Rule 701-707 Opinions
Opinions - Everyone's got one or two or three: A Look at Michigan Rules of Evidence 701-707 Lay Versus Expert Opinions (Rules 701 & 702) Before delving into specific rules, it's crucial to establish the fundamental distinction between lay witnesses and expert...
Evidence in Michigan Courts: Rule 601-615 Witnesses
Navigating the Witness Box: A Look at Michigan Rules of Evidence 601-615 In the courtroom, witness testimony plays a crucial role in unveiling the truth and determining the outcome of a case. However, not everyone can simply walk into the courtroom and take the stand....
More Posts
Restoring Second Amendment Rights in Michigan
Restoring Your Gun RightsAs of 4/17/24...There is still a second amendment The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution grants citizens the right to bear arms, a fundamental aspect of American freedoms. However, in some cases, just like every other right...
Oregon governor signs a bill recriminalizing drug possession
Oregon governor signs a bill recriminalizing drug possession into lawOn April 1, 2024, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bill 4002 into law, effectively recriminalizing the possession of small amounts of certain controlled substances. This legislation marks a...
John Sinclair, the inspiration for Ann Arbor’s Hash Bash, dead at 82
John Sinclair, the poet whose imprisonment for marijuana inspired the start of Ann Arbor’s long-running annual Hash Bash in the 1970s, has died. He was 82.Sinclair's passing occurred on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at a Detroit hospital, merely four days prior to his...
Disciplining Student’s Speech Violates First Amendment
You go girl!!!A public high school was found to have violated the First Amendment when it suspended a student from her cheerleading team for using profane speech off campus. Mahanoy Area Sch Dist v BL, No 20-255, ___ US ___ (June 23, 2021). The U.S. Supreme Court has...
Marijuana reform advocates demand apology from Kamala Harris
So SorryMarijuana reform advocates demand an apology from Kamala Harris for locking up pot smokers and slam her 'political hypocrisy' for now saying no one should 'go to jail for smoking weed!'Marijuana reform advocates are urging Vice President Kamala Harris to issue...
Federal Agency Smack Down on a Michigan Credit Union’s Cannabis Banking
Apple to ApplesAn independent federal agency has recently cited a Michigan credit union for non-compliance with regulations regarding banking services for the marijuana industry. Consequently, the financial institution has been directed to halt the opening of new...
Cannabis cash transactions aren’t suspicious says IRS
Following The MoneyLarge cash transactions by marijuana businesses should not be automatically flagged as suspicious, as per the latest IRS guidance. The tax agency's guidance aims to provide clarity on the federal Bank Secrecy Act, which mandates businesses,...
An Independent Review of the Intoxilyzer 9000
An Independent Review of the Intoxilyzer 9000 Part 1 - Residual mouth alcohol detection Counterpoint Volume 2; Issue 2 - Article 3 (August 2017) An article in the Core Skills III-2 Module Jan Semenoff, BA, EMAForensic CriminalistThe opportunity to conduct an...
The Intoxilyzer 9000 (part 1)
The Intoxilyzer 9000 (part 1 of 2)Roll-Out The Michigan State Police (MSP) initiated Intoxilyzer 9000 (Intoxilyzer) training for police officers statewide, commencing in 2023. In order to participate, officers were required to complete both preliminary breath test...
The Intoxilyzer 9000 (part 2)
The Intoxilyzer 9000 (part 2 of 2)Using it The Intoxilyzer is user-friendly and equipped with a built-in feature to alert officers of any potential issues. As a precautionary measure, officers are specifically advised to switch off their portable radios prior to...