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Federal Rules of Evidence (US) QUESTION #3780
Question 1
In a slip-and-fall case, a witness for the defense testifies that the floor was dry. On cross-examination, the plaintiff asks: 'Isn't it true that you are the defendant's brother-in-law?' The defense objects to this as irrelevant. How should the court rule?
  • Sustain, because family relationships are not relevant to the physical state of a floor.
  • Sustain, because it is an improper attack on character.
  • Overrule, because evidence of bias is always relevant to a witness's credibility.✔️
  • Overrule, but only if the plaintiff has first introduced evidence of the witness's bad character for truthfulness.
Correct Answer Explanation
Evidence of a witness's bias (such as a family or financial relationship with a party) is not explicitly mentioned in the FRE but is a universally accepted grounds for impeachment and is always relevant under Rule 401 and 402.