At trial the judge determines if the evidence offered by the litigants is sufficiently reliable and trustworthy to be admitted for the jury’s consideration
According to the Rules of Evidence, counsel seeking to admit evidence must first convince the judge that the evidence is relevant and does not violate the rules of evidence. For example, evidence is considered relevant if it tends to prove or disprove a fact or issue in controversy at the trial.
The court can still deny the admission of evidence on other grounds, such as it violates the hearsay rule or the court determines the evidence is more prejudicial than probative.
The judge’s admission of evidence at trial means the jury can officially consider the evidence in determining their verdict.
