The focus is on Federal rules of evidence. These rules regulate evidence processing in Federal courts, and they also serve as a model for the development of State evidence law. The book begins with an introductory discussion of the rationale for the existence of courts and the trial process. Subsequent chapters focus on the pretrial and jury trial process, basic terms and concepts of evidence, and key subtopics in evidence law. These subtopics include evidence relevancy, witness competency, witness examination, opinion testimony, hearsay rule, exceptions to the hearsay rule, nontestimonial writings, exhibits and objections, the U.S. Constitution and evidence processing, evidence privileges, and judicial notice of facts. Additionally, five special focus segments are included at relevant points in the text. These segments go beyond a general discussion of the law of evidence by raising important legal issues to enhance legal analysis and classroom discussions. Segment topics relate to peremptory challenges and racial discrimination, children as witnesses, the challenge in applying hearsay exceptions, admissibility of scientific evidence, and attorney-client privileges. Appendixes contain provisions of the Federal rules of evidence, key provisions of the U.S. Constitution, and a sample final examination.