Under Rule 407, why is evidence of compromise negotiations generally not admissible?

• A. It is irrelevant to liability
• B. It cannot prove validity or amount of a claim
• C. It is not admissible to prove negligence or culpable conduct
• D. It has no limitations

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is to protect the settlement process. Evidence of compromise negotiations is kept out to avoid turning talks aimed at resolving a dispute into evidence of fault. If offers to settle or statements made during negotiations could be used to prove negligence or culpable conduct, parties would be less willing to negotiate frankly, worrying that anything they say could later be used against them. This rule helps keep negotiations candid and encourages settlements, which can save time and resources for everyone involved. It’s worth noting that while such negotiations are generally excluded for proving fault or liability, they may be admissible for other narrow purposes, like showing bias or verifying that a settlement was reached, but not to establish fault.