FRE · Rule 1006

FRE Rule 1006

Quick Answer

What is FRE Rule 1006?

Rule 1006 of the Federal Rules of Evidence allows parties to present summaries of voluminous writings, recordings, or photographs that cannot be conveniently examined in court.

Source: FRE Rule 1006

Official Text
The contents of voluminous writings, recordings, or photographs which cannot conveniently be examined in court may be presented in the form of a summary, chart, or calculation.
Plain Language

FRE Rule 1006 permits a party to use a summary or chart to present evidence that is too extensive to be easily examined in its original form in court. This allows for a more efficient presentation of evidence, making it easier for the judge and jury to understand.

Purpose

The purpose of this rule is to streamline the presentation of evidence by allowing parties to summarize large quantities of information, thus saving time and enhancing the clarity of the evidence presented.

Key Provisions

Voluminous Evidence

The rule applies to writings, recordings, or photographs that are too extensive to be examined conveniently in court.

Summaries Allowed

Parties can use summaries, charts, or calculations to present this evidence instead, provided that they accurately reflect the original material.

Practice Notes
  • When preparing summaries, ensure they are accurate and directly reflect the underlying evidence.
  • Be prepared to provide the underlying documents or evidence to the opposing party and the court for review.
  • Summaries should enhance comprehension, so clarity and organization in presentation are crucial.
Landmark Cases

United States v. Johnson

The court allowed a summarized chart under FRE Rule 1006 to present complex financial transactions, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and transparency.

Exam Tip

FRE Rule 1006 may appear on exams in the context of evidence admissibility questions, especially regarding the use of summaries and charts. Be prepared to analyze whether the summaries accurately represent the original evidence.

Related Rules
  • fre-rule-1002
  • fre-rule-1003

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