Rule 101 Scope; Definitions

These rules explain when and how evidence works in West Virginia courts. They apply to most court cases, with a few exceptions listed in Rule 1101. If a West Virginia law about evidence doesn't clash with these rules, that law still counts and stays in use until the state Supreme Court changes or replaces it.

The rule also explains some basic terms used throughout the evidence rules. A "civil case" means any civil lawsuit or proceeding, while a "criminal case" covers criminal proceedings too. "Public office" includes government agencies, not just individual offices. A "record" can mean a memo, report, or any collection of data, not just a formal document.

Finally, the rule clarifies what counts as a rule from the Supreme Court of Appeals: it means any rule the Court created using its legal authority, whether that authority comes from the state constitution, a statute, or the Court's own power to make rules. The rule also makes clear that any mention of written materials includes information stored electronically, like emails, texts, or digital files. This keeps the rules up to date with how people communicate and store information today.