Rule 402 Relevant Evidence Generally Admissible; Irrelevant Evidence Inadmissible

If evidence actually matters to the case, it can generally be shown in court. That's the basic idea behind this rule. As long as evidence helps prove or disprove something important to the case, it's allowed in.

But there are limits. Even if evidence is relevant, it can still get blocked if the Constitution, a law, or another court rule says so. For example, some rules protect certain private information or keep out evidence that was gathered improperly, even if that evidence would otherwise help the case.

The flip side is just as important. If evidence has nothing to do with the case, the court won't allow it in at all. Judges use this rule to keep trials focused on facts that actually help decide the outcome, instead of letting in information that's confusing, unrelated, or a waste of time.