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Washington Rules of Evidence

In Washington, the rules of evidence govern proceedings in the courts of the state of Washington to the extent and with the exceptions stated in rule 1101.  These rules apply to all actions and proceedings in the courts of the state of Washington, except as otherwise provided.  The law with respect to privileges applies at all stages of all actions, cases, and proceedings.  The rules other than with respect to privileges, the rape shield statute and ER 412, need not be applied in situations such as:

  • Preliminary questions of fact;
  • Grand jury proceedings;
  • Miscellaneous proceedings such as proceedings for extradition or rendition; preliminary determinations in criminal cases; sentencing, or granting or revoking probation; issuance of warrants for arrest, criminal summonses, search warrants; habeas corpus proceedings; and small claims court;
  • Applications for protection orders; and
  • Arbitration hearings.

Table of contents of Washington Rules of Evidence (ER)

    TITLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

    Rule 101. Scope 

    Rule 102. Purpose and construction 

    Rule 103. Rulings on evidence 

    Rule 104. Preliminary questions 

    Rule 105. Limited admissibility 

    Rule 106. Remainder of or related writings or recorded statements 

    TITLE 2. JUDICIAL NOTICE

    Rule 201. Judicial notice of adjudicative facts 

    TITLE 3. PRESUMPTIONS IN CIVIL ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS

    Rule 301. Presumptions in general in civil actions and proceedings [Reserved.] 

    Rule 302. Applicability of state law in civil actions and proceedings [Reserved.] 

    TITLE 4. RELEVANCY AND ITS LIMITS

    Rule 401. Definition of “relevant evidence.” 

    Rule 402. Relevant evidence generally admissible; irrelevant evidence inadmissible 

    Rule 403. Exclusion of relevant evidence on grounds of prejudice, confusion, or waste of time 

    Rule 404. Character evidence not admissible to prove conduct; exceptions; other crimes 

    Rule 405. Methods of proving character 

    Rule 406. Habit; routine practice 

    Rule 407. Subsequent remedial measures 

    Rule 408. Compromise and offers to compromise 

    Rule 409. Payment of medical and similar expenses 

    Rule 410. Inadmissibility of pleas, offers of pleas, and related statements 

    Rule 411. Liability insurance 

    Rule 412. Sexual offenses — Victim’s past behavior 

    TITLE 5. PRIVILEGES

    Rule 501. General rule 

    TITLE 6. WITNESSES

    Rule 601. General rule of competency 

    Rule 602. Lack of personal knowledge 

    Rule 603. Oath or affirmation 

    Rule 604. Interpreters 

    Rule 605. Competency of judge as witness 

    Rule 606. Competency of juror as witness 

    Rule 607. Who may impeach 

    Rule 608. Evidence of character and conduct of witness 

    Rule 609. Impeachment by evidence of conviction of crime 

    Rule 610. Religious beliefs or opinions 

    Rule 611. Mode and order of interrogation and presentation 

    Rule 612. Writing used to refresh memory 

    Rule 613. Prior statements of witnesses 

    Rule 614. Calling and interrogation of witnesses by court 

    Rule 615. Exclusion of witnesses 

    TITLE 7. OPINIONS AND EXPERT TESTIMONY

    Rule 701. Opinion testimony by lay witnesses 

    Rule 702. Testimony by experts 

    Rule 703. Bases of opinion testimony by experts 

    Rule 704. Opinion on ultimate issue 

    Rule 705. Disclosure of facts or data underlying expert opinion 

    Rule 706. Court appointed experts 

    TITLE 8. HEARSAY

    Rule 801. Definitions 

    Rule 802. Hearsay rule 

    Rule 803. Hearsay exceptions; availability of declarant immaterial 

    Rule 804. Hearsay exceptions; declarant unavailable 

    Rule 805. Hearsay within hearsay 

    Rule 806. Attacking and supporting credibility of declarant 

    Rule 807. Child victims or witnesses 

    TITLE 9. AUTHENTICATION, IDENTIFICATION AND ADMISSION OF EXHIBITS

    Rule 901. Requirement of authentication or identification 

    Rule 902. Self-authentication 

    Rule 903. Subscribing witness’ testimony unnecessary 

    Rule 904. Admissibility of documents 

    TITLE 10. CONTENTS OF WRITINGS, RECORDINGS, AND PHOTOGRAPHS

    Rule 1001. Definitions 

    Rule 1002. Requirement of original 

    Rule 1003. Admissibility of duplicates 

    Rule 1004. Admissibility of other evidence of contents 

    Rule 1005. Public records 

    Rule 1006. Summaries

    Rule 1007. Testimony or written admission of party

    Rule 1008. Functions of court and jury

    TITLE 11. MISCELLANEOUS RULES

    Rule 1101. Applicability of rules

    Rule 1102. Amendments

    Rule 1103. Title


Inside Washington Rules of Evidence