Texas Rules of Evidence Trial Book - 2nd Edition

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This work is written for lawyers and district judges who try cases in Texas courts.  It is a trial book, designed to ease the task of dealing with evidence issues under the time constraints and pressures that trials, especially jury trials, place on all participants. The authors emphasize the proper techniques for presenting and objecting to evidence at trial.  

Common evidence issues are arranged by the order of the Texas Rules of Evidence. Lawyers in both civil and criminal trials should be able to turn quickly to the correct section of this book dealing with any evidence issue that arises during trial.  They will find guidance as to who bears the burden of proof on the issue, what the judge’s role is, and what type of finding for the record they might request.  Judges will find similar guidance and will also find proposed findings that can help them make a solid record, and limiting instructions that can enable them quickly and accurately to instruct a jury in most cases

This book focuses on the mechanics of how lawyers and judges must deal with evidence issues as they arise at trial and is a highly practical work that is intended to be on counsel tables and judges’ benches during trials. 

• Governing Rules

The discussion of each evidence issue begins with a section on “Governing Rules.”  This section gathers the rules that interrelate in one place and highlights the portions of the rules that are most likely to be important.

• Key Points

The second section is entitled “Key Points.” This section identifies important aspects of the governing rules, offers strategic suggestions on how lawyers may best use the governing rules, and suggests points judges may want to emphasize.  

• Sample Objections

The third section includes sample objections and guidance on making objections at trial. 

• Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and Limiting Instructions

The fourth section suggests language that judges may use in making rulings and instructing juries and also recommends that lawyers consider requesting certain rulings on the record.  It also suggests how offers of proof might be made and limiting instructions for all of the issues discussed. 

• Rules of Evidence

The Appendices include the full text of the Texas Rules of Evidence and several important provisions from the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure that are cited in the text.  

 About the Authors
Introduction
Chapter 1
OBJECTIONS, OFFERS OF PROOF,
LIMITING INSTRUCTIONS

§ 1-1 Objections—Basic Requirements
§ 1-1(A) Governing Rules
§ 1-1(B) Key Points
§ 1-1(C) Sample Objections
§ 1-1(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions
§ 1-1(E) Cross-References
§ 1-2 Offers of Proof—Basic Requirements
§ 1-2(A) Governing Rule 
§ 1-2(B) Key Points 
§ 1-2(C) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions
§ 1-2(D) Cross-References

§ 1-3 Limiting Instructions Generally 
§ 1-3(A) Governing Rules 
§ 1-3(B) Key Points 
§ 1-3(C) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 15
§ 1-3(D) Cross-References 18

§ 1-4 Optional Completeness 19
§ 1-4(A) Governing Rules 19
§ 1-4(B) Key Points 
§ 1-4(C) Sample Objections 
§ 1-4(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions
§ 1-4(E) Cross-References 

Chapter 2
JUDICIAL NOTICE

§ 2-1 Judicial Notice of Adjudicative Facts 
§ 2-1(A) Governing Rules 
§ 2-1(B) Key Points 
§ 2-1(C) Sample Objections 
§ 2-1(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 2-1(E) Cross-References 

§ 2-2 Judicial Notice of Law of Other States 
§ 2-2(A) Governing Rule 
§ 2-2(B) Key Points 
§ 2-2(C) Sample Objections 
§ 2-2(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Instructions to the Jury 
§ 2-2(E) Cross-References 

§ 2-3 Judicial Notice of Laws of Foreign Countries 
§ 2-3(A) Governing Rule 
§ 2-3(B) Key Points 
§ 2-3(C) Sample Objections 
§ 2-3(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Instructions to the Jury 
§ 2-3(E) Cross-References 

§ 2-4 Judicial Notice of Texas City and County
Ordinances, Contents of Texas Register, and Rules
of Agencies Published in Administrative Code 
§ 2-4(A) Governing Rule 
§ 2-4(B) Key Points 
§ 2-4(C) Sample Objections 
§ 2-4(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Instructions to the Jury 
§ 2-4(E) Cross-References 

Chapter 3
PRESUMPTIONS

§ 3-1 Presumptions in Civil Cases 
§ 3-1(A) Governing Rules 
§ 3-1(B) Key Points 
§ 3-1(C) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Instructions to the Jury 
§ 3-1(D) Cross-References 

§ 3-2 Presumptions in Criminal Cases 
§ 3-2(A) Governing Rule 
§ 3-2(B) Key Points 
§ 3-2(C) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions to the Jury 
§ 3-2(D) Cross-References

Chapter 4
RELEVANCE AND RELATED MATTERS

§ 4-1 Relevant Evidence 
§ 4-1(A) Governing Rules 
§ 4-1(B) Key Points
§ 4-1(C) Sample Objections 
§ 4-1(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 4-1(E) Cross-References 

§ 4-2 Prejudicial Evidence 
§ 4-2(A) Governing Rules 
§ 4-2(B) Key Points 
§ 4-2(C) Sample Objections 
§ 4-2(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 4-2(E) Cross-References 

§ 4-3 Other Crimes, Wrongs, Acts, etc. 
§ 4-3(A) Governing Rules 
§ 4-3(B) Key Points 
§ 4-3(C) Sample Objections 
§ 4-3(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 4-3(E) Cross-References 

§ 4-4 Evidence of Criminal Defendant’s Character 
§ 4-4(A) Governing Rules 
§ 4-4(B) Key Points 
§ 4-4(C) Sample Objections 
§ 4-4(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 4-4(E) Cross-References 

§ 4-5 Evidence of the Victim’s Character—Criminal Case 
§ 4-5(A) Governing Rules 
§ 4-5(B) Key Points 
§ 4-5(C) Sample Objections 
§ 4-5(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 4-5(E) Cross-References 

§ 4-6 Defendant’s Character—Civil Case 
§ 4-6(A) Governing Rules 
§ 4-6(B) Key Points 
§ 4-6(C) Sample Objections 
§ 4-6(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 4-6(E) Cross-References 

§ 4-7 Evidence of Victim’s Character—Civil Case 
§ 4-7(A) Governing Rules 
§ 4-7(B) Key Points 
§ 4-7(C) Sample Objections 
§ 4-7(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 4-7(E) Cross-References 

§ 4-8 Habit Evidence 
§ 4-8(A) Governing Rules 
§ 4-8(B) Key Points 
§ 4-8(C) Sample Objections 
§ 4-8(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 4-8(E) Cross-References 

§ 4-9 Subsequent Remedial Measures 
§ 4-9(A) Governing Rules 
§ 4-9(B) Key Points 
§ 4-9(C) Sample Objections 
§ 4-9(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 4-9(E) Cross-References 

§ 4-10 Settlements and Offers to Compromise 
§ 4-10(A) Governing Rules 
§ 4-10(B) Key Points 
§ 4-10(C) Sample Objections 
§ 4-10(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 4-10(E) Cross-References 

§ 4-11 Payment of Medical and Similar Expenses 
§ 4-11(A) Governing Rules 
§ 4-11(B) Key Points 
§ 4-11(C) Sample Objections 
§ 4-11(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 4-11(E) Cross-References 

§ 4-12 Plea Negotiations and Related Statements 
§ 4-12(A) Governing Rules 
§ 4-12(B) Key Points 
§ 4-12(C) Sample Objections 
§ 4-12(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 4-12(E) Cross-References 

§ 4-13 Liability Insurance 
§ 4-13(A) Governing Rules 
§ 4-13(B) Key Points 
§ 4-13(C) Sample Objections 
§ 4-13(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 4-13(E) Cross-References 

Chapter 5
PRIVILEGES

§ 5-1 Privilege Claims Generally 
§ 5-1(A) Governing Rules 
§ 5-1(B) Key Points 
§ 5-1(C) Sample Objections 
§ 5-1(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 5-1(E) Cross-References 

§ 5-2 Spousal Testimonial Privilege—Criminal Cases 
§ 5-2(A) Governing Rules 
§ 5-2(B) Key Points 
§ 5-2(C) Sample Objections 
§ 5-2(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 5-2(E) Cross-References 

Chapter 6
DIRECT AND CROSS-EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES; IMPEACHMENT AND REHABILITATION

§ 6-1 Competency 
§ 6-1(A) Governing Rules 
§ 6-1(B) Key Points 
§ 6-1(C) Sample Objections 
§ 6-1(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 6-1(E) Cross-References 

§ 6-2 Dead Man’s Rule—Civil Cases 
§ 6-2(A) Governing Rules 
§ 6-2(B) Key Points 
§ 6-2(C) Sample Objections 
§ 6-2(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 6-2(E) Cross-References 

§ 6-3 Interpreters 
§ 6-3(A) Governing Rules 
§ 6-3(B) Key Points 
§ 6-3(C) Sample Objections 
§ 6-3(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 6-3(E) Cross-References 

§ 6-4 Impeachment—By Direct Examiner 
§ 6-4(A) Governing Rules 
§ 6-4(B) Key Points 
§ 6-4(C) Sample Objections 
§ 6-4(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 6-4(E) Cross-References 

§ 6-5 Impeachment—Prior Bad Acts 
§ 6-5(A) Governing Rules 
§ 6-5(B) Key Points 
§ 6-5(C) Sample Objections 
§ 6-5(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 6-5(E) Cross-References 

§ 6-6 Impeachment—Character Evidence 
§ 6-6(A) Governing Rules 
§ 6-6(B) Key Points 
§ 6-6(C) Sample Objections 
§ 6-6(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 6-6(E) Cross-References 

§ 6-7 Rehabilitation—Character Evidence 
§ 6-7(A) Governing Rules 
§ 6-7(B) Key Points 
§ 6-7(C) Sample Objections 
§ 6-7(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 6-7(E) Cross-References 

§ 6-8 Impeachment—Prior Convictions 
§ 6-8(A) Governing Rules 
§ 6-8(B) Key Points 
§ 6-8(C) Sample Objections 
§ 6-8(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 6-8(E) Cross-References 

§ 6-9 Impeachment—Bias 
§ 6-9(A) Governing Rules 
§ 6-9(B) Key Points 
§ 6-9(C) Sample Objections 
§ 6-9(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 6-9(E) Cross-References 

§ 6-10 Impeachment—Leading Questions 
§ 6-10(A) Governing Rules 
§ 6-10(B) Key Points 
§ 6-10(C) Sample Objections 
§ 6-10(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 6-10(E) Cross-References 

§ 6-11 Impeachment—Materials Used to Refresh Memory 
§ 6-11(A) Governing Rules 
§ 6-11(B) Key Points 
§ 6-11(C) Sample Objections 
§ 6-11(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 6-11(E) Cross-References 

§ 6-12 Impeachment—Prior Inconsistent Statements 
§ 6-12(A) Governing Rules 
§ 6-12(B) Key Points 
§ 6-12(C) Sample Objections 
§ 6-12(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 6-12(E) Cross-References 

§ 6-13 Sequestration Violation 
§ 6-13(A) Governing Rules 
§ 6-13(B) Key Points
§ 6-13(C) Sample Objection 
§ 6-13(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 6-13(E) Cross-References 

Chapter 7
OPINION AND EXPERT TESTIMONY

§ 7-1 Lay Opinion Testimony 
§ 7-1(A) Governing Rules 
§ 7-1(B) Key Points 
§ 7-1(C) Sample Objections 
§ 7-1(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 7-1(E) Cross-References 

§ 7-2 Expert Opinion Testimony 
§ 7-2(A) Governing Rules 
§ 7-2(B) Key Points 
§ 7-2(C) Sample Objections 
§ 7-2(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions
§ 7-2(E) Cross-References  

Chapter 8
HEARSAY

PART I. IN GENERAL 

§ 8-1 Statement Not Admitted for Its Truth 
§ 8-1(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-1(B) Key Points 
§ 8-1(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-1(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-1(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-2 Statement Not an Explicit or Implied Assertion 
§ 8-2(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-2(B) Key Points 
§ 8-2(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-2(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-2(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-3 Hearsay within Hearsay 
§ 8-3(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-3(B) Key Points 
§ 8-3(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-3(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-3(E) Cross-References 

PART II. HEARSAY EXEMPTIONS 

§ 8-4 Hearsay Exemptions—Adoptive Admission 
§ 8-4(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-4(B) Key Points 
§ 8-4(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-4(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-4(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-5 Hearsay Exemptions—Agent’s Admission 
§ 8-5(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-5(B) Key Points 
§ 8-5(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-5(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-5(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-6 Hearsay Exemptions—Authorized Admission 
§ 8-6(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-6(B) Key Points 
§ 8-6(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-6(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-6(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-7 Hearsay Exemptions—Co-conspirator’s Statement 
§ 8-7(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-7(B) Key Points 
§ 8-7(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-7(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-7(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-8 Hearsay Exemptions—Depositions in Civil Case in
Same Proceeding 
§ 8-8(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-8(B) Key Points 
§ 8-8(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-8(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-8(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-9 Hearsay Exemptions—Personal Admission 
§ 8-9(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-9(B) Key Points 
§ 8-9(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-9(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-9(E) Cross-References 
§ 8-10 Hearsay Exemptions—Prior Consistent Statements 
§ 8-10(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-10(B) Key Points 
§ 8-10(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-10(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-10(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-11 Hearsay Exemptions—Prior Inconsistent Statements 
§ 8-11(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-11(B) Key Points 
§ 8-11(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-11(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-11(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-12 Hearsay Exemptions—Prior Identifications 
§ 8-12(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-12(B) Key Points 
§ 8-12(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-12(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-12(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-13 Hearsay Exemptions—Testimony of Child Victim 
§ 8-13(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-13(B) Key Points 
§ 8-13(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-13(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-13(E) Cross-References 

PART III. HEARSAY EXCEPTIONS 

§ 8-14 Hearsay Exceptions—Ancient Documents 
§ 8-14(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-14(B) Key Points 
§ 8-14(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-14(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-14(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-15 Hearsay Exceptions—Business Records 
§ 8-15(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-15(B) Key Points 
§ 8-15(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-15(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-15(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-16 Hearsay Exceptions—Dying Declarations 
§ 8-16(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-16(B) Key Points
§ 8-16(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-16(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-16(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-17 Hearsay Exceptions—Excited Utterance 
§ 8-17(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-17(B) Key Points 
§ 8-17(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-17(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-17(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-18 Hearsay Exceptions—Existing Mental, Emotional or
Physical Condition 
§ 8-18(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-18(B) Key Points 
§ 8-18(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-18(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-18(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-19 Hearsay Exceptions—Family Records 
§ 8-19(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-19(B) Key Points 
§ 8-19(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-19(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-19(E) Cross-References
§ 8-20 Hearsay Exceptions—Former Testimony 
§ 8-20(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-20(B) Key Points 
§ 8-20(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-20(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-20(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-21 Hearsay Exceptions—Judgments Admitted to Prove
Underlying Facts 
§ 8-21(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-21(B) Key Points 
§ 8-21(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-21(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-21(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-22 Hearsay Exceptions—Learned Treatises
§ 8-22(A) Governing Rules
§ 8-22(B) Key Points 
§ 8-22(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-22(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-22(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-23 Hearsay Exceptions—Market Reports and
Commercial Publications 
§ 8-23(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-23(B) Key Points
§ 8-23(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-23(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-23(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-24 Hearsay Exceptions—Medical Statements for
Diagnosis or Treatment 
§ 8-24(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-24(B) Key Points 
§ 8-24(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-24(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-24(E) Cross-References 
§ 8-25 Hearsay Exceptions—Past Recollection Recorded 
§ 8-25(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-25(B) Key Points
§ 8-25(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-25(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-25(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-26 Hearsay Exceptions—Personal or Family History 
§ 8-26(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-26(B) Key Points 
§ 8-26(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-26(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-26(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-27 Hearsay Exceptions—Present Sense Impression 
§ 8-27(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-27(B) Key Points 
§ 8-27(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-27(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-27(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-28 Hearsay Exceptions—Property Records 
§ 8-28(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-28(B) Key Points 
§ 8-28(C) Sample Objections
§ 8-28(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-28(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-29 Hearsay Exceptions—Public Records 
§ 8-29(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-29(B) Key Points 
§ 8-29(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-29(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-29(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-30 Hearsay Exceptions—Religious Organization Records
§ 8-30(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-30(B) Key Points 
§ 8-30(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-30(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-30(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-31 Hearsay Exceptions—Reputation Evidence 
§ 8-31(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-31(B) Key Points 
§ 8-31(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-31(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-31(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-32 Hearsay Exceptions—Statement against Interest 
§ 8-32(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-32(B) Key Points 
§ 8-32(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-32(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-32(E) Cross-References 

PART IV. IMPEACHING HEARSAY DECLARANTS 

§ 8-33 Impeaching Hearsay Declarants—Prior Bad Acts 
§ 8-33(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-33(B) Key Points
§ 8-33(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-33(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-33(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-34 Impeaching Hearsay Declarants—Character Evidence 
§ 8-34(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-34(B) Key Points 
§ 8-34(C) Sample Objections
§ 8-34(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-34(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-35 Impeaching Hearsay Declarants—Prior
Convictions 
§ 8-35(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-35(B) Key Points 
§ 8-35(C) Sample Objections
§ 8-35(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-35(E) Cross-References

§ 8-36 Impeaching Hearsay Declarants—Bias 
§ 8-36(A) Governing Rules
§ 8-36(B) Key Points 
§ 8-36(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-36(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 8-36(E) Cross-References 

§ 8-37 Impeaching Hearsay Declarants—Prior Inconsistent
Statements 
§ 8-37(A) Governing Rules 
§ 8-37(B) Key Points 
§ 8-37(C) Sample Objections 
§ 8-37(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions
§ 8-37(E) Cross-References 

Chapter 9
AUTHENTICATION AND IDENTIFICATION

§ 9-1 Authentication—In General 
§ 9-1(A) Governing Rules 
§ 9-1(B) Key Points 
§ 9-1(C) Sample Objections
§ 9-1(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions
§ 9-1(E) Cross-References 

§ 9-2 Handwriting 
§ 9-2(A) Governing Rules 
§ 9-2(B) Key Points
§ 9-2(C) Sample Objections 
§ 9-2(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions
§ 9-2(E) Cross-References 

§ 9-3 Voice Identification 
§ 9-3(A) Governing Rules 
§ 9-3(B) Key Points 
§ 9-3(C) Sample Objections 
§ 9-3(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions
§ 9-3(E) Cross-References 

§ 9-4 Telephone Conversations 
§ 9-4(A) Governing Rules 
§ 9-4(B) Key Points 
§ 9-4(C) Sample Objections 
§ 9-4(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 9-4(E) Cross-References 

§ 9-5 Public Records
§ 9-5(A) Governing Rules 
§ 9-5(B) Key Points
§ 9-5(C) Sample Objections 
§ 9-5(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 9-5(E) Cross-References

§ 9-6 Ancient Documents or Data Compilations 
§ 9-6(A) Governing Rules 
§ 9-6(B) Key Points 
§ 9-6(C) Sample Objections 
§ 9-6(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 9-6(E) Cross-References 

§ 9-7 Processes and Systems 
§ 9-7(A) Governing Rules 
§ 9-7(B) Key Points 
§ 9-7(C) Sample Objections 
§ 9-7(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions
§ 9-7(E) Cross-References

§ 9-8 Photographs 
§ 9-8(A) Governing Rules 
§ 9-8(B) Key Points 
§ 9-8(C) Sample Objections 
§ 9-8(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 9-8(E) Cross-References 

§ 9-9 Video Recordings 
§ 9-9(A) Governing Rules
§ 9-9(B) Key Points 
§ 9-9(C) Sample Objections 
§ 9-9(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 9-9(E) Cross-References 

§ 9-10 Self-authentication 
§ 9-10(A) Governing Rules 
§ 9-10(B) Key Points
§ 9-10(C) Sample Objections 
§ 9-10(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions
§ 9-10(E) Cross-References 

Chapter 10
CONTENTS OF WRITINGS, RECORDINGS,
AND PHOTOGRAPHS

§ 10-1 The Best Evidence Rule—Writing or Recording
Used to Prove Contents 
§ 10-1(A) Governing Rules 
§ 10-1(B) Key Points 
§ 10-1(C) Sample Objections 
§ 10-1(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 10-1(E) Cross-References

§ 10-2 Introducing Duplicates 
§ 10-2(A) Governing Rules 
§ 10-2(B) Key Points 
§ 10-2(C) Sample Objections
§ 10-2(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions
§ 10-2(E) Cross-References 

§ 10-3 Competing Originals, Duplicates, or Testimony 
§ 10-3(A) Governing Rules 
§ 10-3(B) Key Points 
§ 10-3(C) Sample Objections 
§ 10-3(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 10-3(E) Cross-References 

§ 10-4 Summaries 
§ 10-4(A) Governing Rules 
§ 10-4(B) Key Points 
§ 10-4(C) Sample Objections 
§ 10-4(D) Rulings on the Record, Offers of Proof, and
Limiting Instructions 
§ 10-4(E) Cross-References 

Appendix A Texas Rules of Evidence 

Appendix B Selected Provisions from the Texas Code
of Criminal Procedure 

David A. Schlueter is the Hardy Professor of Law and Director of Advocacy Programs at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. Professor Schlueter teaches evidence, trial advocacy, and constitutional law and has served as both a trial and appellate counsel. He has authored, co-authored, or edited nine books and numerous articles on evidence and criminal procedure including Texas Rules of Evidence Manual, 8th ed. (New York: Juris Publishing, 2009). His writings have been cited over 850 times by both state and federal courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States, and legal commentators. Before joining the faculty at St. Mary’s in 1983, he served on active duty as an Army JAGC and for two years as legal counsel for the Supreme Court of the United States. He is a life fellow in the American Bar Foundation and a life fellow in the Texas Bar Foundation and is a fellow in the American Law Institute. From 1988 until 2005, he served as the Reporter for the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Advisory Committee.