Jan. 24 – EvidenceProf Blog
Professor Colin Miller authored post
Federal Rule of Evidence 609(b) states:
(b) Limit on Using the Evidence After 10 Years. This subdivision (b) applies if more than 10 years have passed since the witness’s conviction or release from confinement for it, whichever is later. Evidence of the conviction is admissible only if:
(1) its probative value, supported by specific facts and circumstances, substantially outweighs its prejudicial effect; and
(2) the proponent gives an adverse party reasonable written notice of the intent to use it so that the party has a fair opportunity to contest its use.
Moreover, the Advisory Committee Note to this Rule states that “[a]lthough convictions over ten years old generally do not have much probative value, there may be exceptional circumstances under which the conviction substantially bears on the credibility of the witness.” In other words, it is rare that a conviction that is more than ten years old is admissible under Federal Rule of Evidence 609(b).
Conversely, New Jersey Rule of Evidence 609 simply states that
For the purpose of affecting the credibility of any witness, the witness’ conviction of a crime shall be admitted unless excluded by the judge as remote or for other causes. Such conviction may be proved by examination, production of the record thereof, or by other competent evidence.
And, as the recent opinion of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, in State v. Rock, 2012 WL 177866 (N.J.Super.A.D. 2012), makes clear, convictions that are more than ten years old are routinely admitted under this Rule.
Read more: NJ Case Reveals Differences Between Federal and New Jersey Rule of Evidence 609
