Michigan Rules of Evidence – 2026
The Michigan Rules of Evidence govern the admissibility of evidence in Michigan courts. Modeled on the Federal Rules of Evidence, they establish standards for the admissibility of testimony, documents, and other evidence in civil and criminal proceedings, with Michigan-specific provisions including MRE 202 on judicial notice of law.
RULES 101–106
RULES 401–411
Rule 401
Test for Relevant Evidence
Rule 402
General Admissibility of Relevant Evidence
Rule 403
Excluding Relevant Evidence for Prejudice, Confusion, Waste of Time, or Other
Rule 404
Character Evidence; Other Crimes, Wrongs, or Acts
Rule 405
Methods of Proving Character
Rule 406
Habit; Routine Practice
Rule 407
Subsequent Remedial Measures
Rule 408
Compromise Offers and Negotiations
Rule 409
Offers to Pay Medical and Similar Expenses
Rule 410
Pleas, Plea Discussions, and Related Statements
Rule 411
Liability Insurance
RULE 501
RULES 601–615
Rule 601
Competency to Testify in General
Rule 602
Need for Personal Knowledge
Rule 603
Oath or Affirmation to Testify Truthfully
Rule 604
Interpreter
Rule 605
Judge’s Competency as a Witness
Rule 606
Juror’s Competency as a Witness
Rule 607
Who May Impeach a Witness
Rule 608
A Witness’s Character for Truthfulness or Untruthfulness
Rule 609
Impeachment by Evidence of a Criminal Conviction
Rule 610
Religious Beliefs or Opinions
Rule 611
Mode and Order of Examining Witnesses and Presenting Evidence
Rule 612
Writing or Object Used to Refresh a Witness’s Memory
Rule 613
Witness’s Prior Statement
Rule 614
Court’s Calling or Examining a Witness
Rule 615
Excluding Witnesses
RULES 701–707
Rule 701
Opinion Testimony by Lay Witnesses
Rule 702
Testimony by Expert Witnesses
Rule 703
Bases of an Expert’s Opinion Testimony
Rule 704
Opinion on an Ultimate Issue
Rule 705
Disclosing the Facts or Data Underlying an Expert’s Opinion
Rule 706
Court-Appointed Expert Witnesses
Rule 707
Use of Learned Treatises for Impeachment
RULES 801–807
Rule 801
Definitions That Apply to Rules 801–807; Exclusions from Hearsay
Rule 802
The Rule Against Hearsay
Rule 803
Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay
Rule 803A
Hearsay Exception; Child’s Statement About a Sexual Act
Rule 804
Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay–When the Declarant is Unavailable as a Witness
Rule 805
Hearsay Within Hearsay
Rule 806
Attacking and Supporting the Declarant
Rule 807
Residual Exception
RULES 901–903
RULES 1001–1008
Rule 1001
Definitions That Apply to Rules 1001–1008
Rule 1002
Requirement of the Original
Rule 1003
Admissibility of Duplicates
Rule 1004
Admissibility of Other Evidence of Content
Rule 1005
Copies of Public Records to Prove Content
Rule 1006
Summaries to Prove Content
Rule 1007
Testimony or Statement of a Party to Prove Content
Rule 1008
Functions of the Court and Jury