Article 1

Rule 103. Rulings on Evidence

(a) Effect of erroneous ruling.

Error may not be predicated upon a ruling which admits or excludes evidence unless a
substantial right of the party is affected, and

(1) Objection. - In case the ruling is one admitting evidence, a timely objection or motion
to strike appears of record, stating the specific ground of objection, if the specific ground
was not apparent from the context;

(2) Offer of proof. - In case the ruling is one excluding evidence, the substance of the
evidence was made known to the court by offer or was apparent from the context within
which questions were asked.

Once the court makes a definitive ruling on the record admitting or excluding evidence,
either at or before trial, a party need not renew an objection or offer of proof to preserve
a claim of error for appeal.

(b) Record of offer and ruling

The court may add any other or further statement which shows the character of the
evidence, the form in which it was offered, the objection made, and the ruling thereon. It
may direct the making of an offer in question and answer form.

(c) Hearing of jury

In jury cases, proceedings shall be conducted, to the extent practicable, so as to prevent
inadmissible evidence from being suggested to the jury by any means, such as making
statements or offers of proof or asking questions in the hearing of the jury.

(d) Plain error

Nothing in this rule precludes taking notice of plain errors affecting substantial rights
although they were not brought to the attention of the court.

Notes To Rule of Evidence  103
 

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