Under Rule 609(a)(2), when is a conviction admissible after ten years?

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Enhance your knowledge of Mock Trial Rules of Evidence. Our study quiz includes multiple choice questions, detailed explanations, and insights to prepare you thoroughly for your next mock trial competition!

Multiple Choice

Under Rule 609(a)(2), when is a conviction admissible after ten years?

Explanation:
After ten years, a prior conviction can still be admitted to impeach a witness only if its probative value substantially outweighs the prejudicial effect. This balancing test limits the use of old convictions by weighing how important the conviction is to truthfulness against the danger the jury will be unduly swayed by a distant past lapse. The rule also typically requires advance notice of intent to use the conviction. In practice, a stale conviction isn’t automatically excluded or admitted; it depends on whether the court finds the credibility relevance strong enough to overcome potential prejudice.

After ten years, a prior conviction can still be admitted to impeach a witness only if its probative value substantially outweighs the prejudicial effect. This balancing test limits the use of old convictions by weighing how important the conviction is to truthfulness against the danger the jury will be unduly swayed by a distant past lapse. The rule also typically requires advance notice of intent to use the conviction. In practice, a stale conviction isn’t automatically excluded or admitted; it depends on whether the court finds the credibility relevance strong enough to overcome potential prejudice.

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