Dead Man’s Statutes

Some jurisdictions bar interested witnesses from testifying about communications with decedents.

Related Trial Procedures rules

• Judicial NoticeCourts may take judicial notice of indisputable facts from reliable sources.
• Burdens of ProofBurdens include production and persuasion; criminal cases require proof beyond reasonable doubt.
• PresumptionsPresumptions shift the burden of production unless rebutted with contrary evidence.
• Expert Basis of OpinionExperts may rely on inadmissible facts if reasonably relied upon in the field.
• Limiting InstructionsCourts may give limiting instructions restricting evidence to a proper purpose.
• Rule of CompletenessWhen part of a writing is introduced, opposing party may require introduction of relevant remainder.

Part of Evidence on Core Legal Rules — foundational MBE-tested principles with primary-source citations.