Evidence Code

This act establishes the rules governing the admission and exclusion of evidence in court proceedings, defining what is relevant, when relevant evidence may nonetheless be kept out because its prejudicial or confusing effect outweighs its value, and how judges rule on evidentiary questions and comment on evidence before a jury. It sets out the mechanics of judicial notice — which facts a court must or may accept without proof, how parties request it, and how juries are instructed on it — along with presumptions and their effect on the burden of producing evidence or the burden of proof. It further governs character evidence and habit, bars the use of certain conduct such as subsequent remedial measures, settlement offers, payment of medical expenses, and withdrawn pleas, and recognizes a defined set of confidential privileges, including those covering lawyers and clients, journalists, psychotherapists and patients, and advocates serving victims.

Editorial summary generated from the text of this act. It is not part of the statute — read the sections below for the operative language.