Rules of Evidence – Effective November 1, 2019

URE0617. Eyewitness Identification. NEW. Rule 617 is a new rule outlining the criteria and procedures to be used by a factfinder to evaluate a contested eyewitness identification.  This rule ensures that when called upon, a trial court will perform a gatekeeping function and will exclude unreliable eyewitness identification evidence in a criminal case. Several organizations, including the Department of Justice and the ABA, have published best practices for eyewitness identification procedures when a witness is asked to identify a perpetrator who is a stranger to the witness.  As scientific research advances, other factors in addition to those outlined in Subsection (b) may be considered.

Supreme Court Order