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**DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE**

**Office of the Secretary**

**[Docket ID DoD–2011–OS–0112]**

**Manual for Courts-Martial; Proposed**

**Evidence Amendments**

**AGENCY :**  Joint Service Committee on Military Justice (JSC), DoD.

**ACTION :**  Notice of Proposed Amendments to the Military Rules of

Evidence in the Manual for CourtsMartial, United States (2008 ed.) (MCM) and Notice of Public Meeting.

**SUMMARY :**  The Department of Defense is recommending changes to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States (2008 Edition) (MCM). The proposed changes incorporate the restyled Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) approved by the U.S. Supreme Court on 26 April 2011 and which will take effect, pursuant to the Rules Enabling Act, on 1 December

2011. In accordance with 10 U.S.C. 936 and Military Rule of Evidence (MRE) 1102(a), amendments to the FRE will automatically amend parallel provisions of the MRE eighteen months after the effective date of such amendments, absent contrary action by the President. The MCM and DoD Directive 5500.17, ‘‘Role and Responsibilities of the Joint Service Committee (JSC) on Military Justice,’’ May 3, 2003, require the JSC to assist the President in fulfilling his rulemaking responsibilities under 10 U.S.C. 936. These proposed changes

have not been coordinated within the Department of Defense under DoD Directive 5500.1, ‘‘Preparation, Processing and Coordinating Legislation, Executive Orders, Proclamations, Views Letters Testimony,’’ June 15, 2007, and do not constitute the official position of the Department of Defense, the Military Departments, or any other Government

agency.

This notice is provided in accordance with DoD Directive 5500.17, ‘‘Role and Responsibilities of the Joint Service Committee (JSC) on Military Justice,’’ May 3, 2003. This notice is intended only to improve the internal management of the Federal Government. It is not intended to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party against the United States, its agencies, its officers, or any person. This notice also sets forth the date, time and location for the public meeting of the JSC to discuss the proposed changes. For easier viewing and comparison to the federal rules, the proposed amendments to the Military Rules of Evidence described

below can be viewed in a Word or Excel document at the following Web site: http://www.dod.gov/dodgc/ jsc

_ business.html.

**DATES :**  Comments on the proposed changes must be received no later than December 9, 2011, to be assured consideration by the JSC. A public meeting for comments will be held on November 17, 2011, at 10 a.m. in the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, 450 E Street, NW., Washington, DC

20442–0001.

**ADDRESSES :**  You may submit comments, identified by docket number and title, by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. (Suggested keywords: Evidence, Rules, Joint Service Committee)

• Mail: Federal Docket Management System Office, 4800 Mark Center Drive, 2nd Floor, East Tower, Suite 02G09, Alexandria, VA 22350–3100.

Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and

docket number for this Federal Register document. The general policy for

comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the Internet at http:// www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact

information.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Lieutenant Colonel Christopher A. Kennebeck, Executive Secretary, Joint Service Committee on Military Justice, Office of the Judge Advocate General, Criminal Law Division, 2200 Pentagon, Room 3B548, Washington DC, 32101– 2200, (571) 256–8136, e-mail c.kennebeck@conus.army.mil.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  The proposed amendments by Executive

Order to the MCM are as follows:

Section 1. Part III of the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States, is revised

to read as follows:

Rule 101. Scope

(a) Scope. These rules apply to courtmartial proceedings to the extent and with the exceptions stated in Mil. R.

Evid. 1101.

(b) Sources of Law. In the absence of guidance in this Manual or these rules, courts-martial will apply:

(1) First, the Federal Rules of Evidence and the case law interpreting them; and

(2) Second, when not inconsistent with subdivision (b)(1), the rules of

evidence at common law.

(c) Rule of construction. Except as otherwise provided in these rules, the term ‘‘military judge’’ includes the president of a special court-martial without a military judge and a summary

court-martial officer.

(d) Definition. In these rules, a ‘‘rule prescribed by the Supreme Court’’ means a rule adopted by the Supreme Court under statutory authority.

Rule 102. Purpose

These rules should be construed so as to administer every proceeding fairly, eliminate unjustifiable expense and delay, and promote the development of evidence law, to the end of ascertaining the truth and securing a just

determination.

Rule 103. Rulings on Evidence

(a) Preserving a Claim of Error. A party may claim error in a ruling to admit or exclude evidence only if the error materially prejudices a substantial right of the party and:

(1) If the ruling admits evidence, a party, on the record:

(A) Timely objects or moves to strike;

and

(B) States the specific ground, unless it was apparent from the context; or

(2) If the ruling excludes evidence, a party informs the military judge of its substance by an offer of proof, unless the substance was apparent from the

context.

(b) Not Needing to Renew an Objection or Offer of Proof. Once the military judge rules definitively on the record admitting or excluding evidence, either before or at trial, a party need not renew an objection or offer of proof to preserve a claim of error for appeal.

(c) Review of Constitutional Error. The standard provided in this subdivision does not apply to errors implicating the United States Constitution as it applies to members of the armed forces, unless the error arises

under these rules and this subdivision provides a standard that is more advantageous to the accused than the

constitutional standard.

(d) Military Judge’s Statement about the Ruling; Directing an Offer of Proof. The military judge may make any

statement about the character or form of the evidence, the objection made, and the ruling. The military judge may direct that an offer of proof be made in question-and-answer form.

(e) Preventing the Members from Hearing Inadmissible Evidence. In a court-martial composed of a military judge and members, to the extent practicable, the military judge must

conduct a trial so that inadmissible evidence is not suggested to the members by any means.


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(f) Taking Notice of Plain Error. A military judge may take notice of a plain error that materially prejudices a substantial right, even if the claim of error was not properly preserved.

Rule 104. Preliminary Questions

(a) In General. The military judge must decide any preliminary question

about whether a witness is available or qualified, a privilege exists, a continuance should be granted, or evidence is admissible. In so deciding, the military judge is not bound by evidence rules, except those on privilege.

(b) Relevance that Depends on a Fact.

When the relevance of evidence depends on whether a fact exists, proof must be introduced sufficient to support a finding that the fact does exist. The military judge may admit the proposed evidence on the condition that the proof be introduced later. A ruling on the sufficiency of evidence to support a finding of fulfillment of a condition of fact is the sole responsibility of the military judge, except where these rules or this Manual provide expressly to the
contrary.

(c) Conducting a Hearing so that the Members Cannot Hear It. Except in cases tried before a special court-martial without a military judge, the military judge must conduct any hearing on a preliminary question so that the

members cannot hear it if:

(1) The hearing involves the admissibility of a statement of the accused under Mil. R. Evid. 301–306;

(2) The accused is a witness and so
requests; or

(3) Justice so requires. (d) Cross-Examining the Accused. By testifying on a preliminary question, the accused does not become subject to

cross-examination on other issues in the

case.

(e) Evidence Relevant to Weight and Credibility. This rule does not limit a party’s right to introduce before the

members evidence that is relevant to the weight or credibility of other evidence.

Rule 105. Limiting Evidence That Is Not Admissible Against Other Parties or for Other Purposes

If the military judge admits evidence that is admissible against a party or for a purpose—but not against another party or for another purpose—the military judge, on timely request, must restrict the evidence to its proper scope and instruct the members accordingly.

Rule 106. Remainder of or Related Writings or Recorded Statements

If a party introduces all or part of a writing or recorded statement, an adverse party may require the introduction, at that time, of any other part—or any other writing or recorded statement—that in fairness ought to be

considered at the same time.

Rule 201. Judicial Notice of Adjudicative Facts

(a) Scope. This rule governs judicial notice of an adjudicative fact only, not a legislative fact.

(b) Kinds of Facts That May Be Judicially Noticed. The military judge may judicially notice a fact that is not subject to reasonable dispute because it:

(1) Is generally known universally, locally, or in the area pertinent to the

event; or

(2) Can be accurately and readily

determined from sources whose accuracy cannot reasonably be questioned.

(c) Taking Notice. The military judge: (1) May take judicial notice whether requested or not; or

(2) Must take judicial notice if a party requests it and the military judge is supplied with the necessary

information.

The military judge must inform the parties in open court when, without being requested, he or she takes judicial notice of an adjudicative fact essential to establishing an element of the case.

(d) Timing. The military judge may take judicial notice at any stage of the proceeding.

(e) Opportunity to Be Heard. On timely request, a party is entitled to be heard on the propriety of taking judicial

notice and the nature of the fact to be noticed. If the military judge takes judicial notice before notifying a party, the party, on request, is still entitled to

be heard.

(f) Instructing the Members. The military judge must instruct the members that they may or may not accept the noticed fact as conclusive.

Rule 202. Judicial Notice of Law

(a) Domestic Law. The military judge may take judicial notice of domestic

law. If a domestic law is a fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action, the procedural requirements of Mil. R. Evid. 201—except Rule 201(f)—apply.

(b) Foreign Law. A party who intends to raise an issue concerning the law of a foreign country must give reasonable written notice. The military judge, in determining foreign law, may consider any relevant material or source, in

accordance with Mil. R. Evid. 104. Such a determination is a ruling on a question

of law. Rule 301. Privilege Concerning Compulsory Self-Incrimination

(a) General Rule. An individual may claim the most favorable privilege provided by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, Article 31, or these rules. The privileges against self-incrimination are applicable only to

evidence of a testimonial or

communicative nature.

(b) Standing. The privilege of a witness to refuse to respond to a question that may tend to incriminate the witness is a personal one that the witness may exercise or waive at the

discretion of the witness.

(c) Limited Waiver. An accused who chooses to testify as a witness waives the privilege against self-incrimination only with respect to the matters about

which he or she testifies. If the accused

is on trial for two or more offenses and

on direct examination testifies on the merits about only one or some of theoffenses, the accused may not be crossexamined as to guilt or innocence with respect to the other offenses unless the

cross-examination is relevant to an offense concerning which the accused has testified. This waiver is subject to Mil. R. Evid. 608(b).

(d) Exercise of the Privilege. If a

witness states that the answer to a question may tend to incriminate him or her, the witness cannot be required to answer unless the military judge finds

that the facts and circumstances are such that no answer the witness might make to the question would tend to

incriminate the witness or that the witness has, with respect to the question, waived the privilege against self-incrimination. A witness may not assert the privilege if he or she is not subject to criminal penalty as a result of an answer by reason of immunity, running of the statute of limitations, or

similar reason.

(1) Immunity Requirements. The minimum grant of immunity adequate to overcome the privilege is that which under either R.C.M. 704 or other proper authority provides that neither the testimony of the witness nor any evidence obtained from that testimony may be used against the witness at any subsequent trial other than in a prosecution for perjury, false swearing, the making of a false official statement, or failure to comply with an order to testify after the military judge has ruled that the privilege may not be asserted by reason of immunity.

(2) Notification of Immunity or Leniency. When a prosecution witness before a court-martial has been granted immunity or leniency in exchange for testimony, the grant must be reduced to


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writing and must be served on the accused prior to arraignment or within

a reasonable time before the witness

testifies. If notification is not made as required by this rule, the military judge may grant a continuance until notification is made, prohibit or strike the testimony of the witness, or enter such other order as may be required.

(e) Waiver of the Privilege. A witness who answers a self-incriminating question without having asserted the privilege against self-incrimination may be required to answer questions relevant to the disclosure, unless the questionsare likely to elicit additional selfincriminating information.

(1) If a witness asserts the privilegeagainst self-incrimination on crossexamination, the military judge, upon motion, may strike the direct testimony of the witness in whole or in part,

unless the matters to which the witness refuses to testify are purely collateral.

(2) Any limited waiver of the privilege under this subdivision (e) applies only at the trial in which the answer is given, does not extend to a rehearing or new or other trial, and is subject to Mil. R. Evid. 608(b).

(f) Effect of Claiming the Privilege. (1) No Inference To Be Drawn. The

fact that a witness has asserted the privilege against self-incrimination cannot be considered as raising any

inference unfavorable to either the accused or the government.

(2) Pretrial Invocation Not

Admissible. The fact that the accused during official questioning and in exercise of rights under the Fifth

Amendment to the United States

Constitution or Article 31 remained silent, refused to answer a certain question, requested counsel, or requested that the questioning be terminated, is not admissible against the

accused.

(3) Instructions Regarding the Privilege. When the accused does not testify at trial, defense counsel may request that the members of the court be instructed to disregard that fact and not to draw any adverse inference from it. Defense counsel may request that the

members not be so instructed. Defense counsel’s election will be binding upon the military judge except that the military judge may give the instruction when the instruction is necessary in the interests of justice.

Rule 302. Privilege Concerning Mental

Examination of an Accused

(a) General Rule. The accused has a privilege to prevent any statement made by the accused at a mental examination ordered under R.C.M. 706 and any derivative evidence obtained through use of such a statement from being received into evidence against the accused on the issue of guilt or innocence or during sentencing proceedings. This privilege may be claimed by the accused notwithstanding the fact that the accused may have been warned of the rights provided by Mil. R.

Evid. 305 at the examination.

(b) Exceptions. (1) There is no privilege under this

rule when the accused first introduces

into evidence such statements or

derivative evidence.

(2) If the court-martial has allowed the defense to present expert testimony as to the mental condition of the accused, an expert witness for the prosecution may testify as to the reasons for his or her conclusions, but such testimony may not extend to statements of the accused except as provided in (1).

(c) Release of Evidence from an

R.C.M. 706 Examination. If the defense offers expert testimony concerning the mental condition of the accused, the military judge, upon motion, must order the release to the prosecution of the full contents, other than any statements made by the accused, of any report prepared pursuant to R.C.M. 706. If the defense offers statements made by the accused at such examination, the military judge, upon motion, may order

the disclosure of such statements made by the accused and contained in the report as may be necessary in the interests of justice.

(d) Noncompliance by the Accused. The military judge may prohibit an accused who refuses to cooperate in a

mental examination authorized under R.C.M. 706 from presenting any expert medical testimony as to any issue that would have been the subject of the

mental examination.

(e) Procedure. The privilege in this rule may be claimed by the accused only under the procedure set forth in Mil. R. Evid. 304 for an objection or a motion to suppress.

Rule 303. Degrading Questions

Statements and evidence are inadmissible if they are not material to the issue and may tend to degrade the person testifying.

Rule 304. Confessions and Admissions

(a) General Rule. If the accused makes a timely motion or objection under this rule, an involuntary statement from the accused, or any evidence derived therefrom, is inadmissible at trial except as provided in subdivision (e).

(1) Definitions. As used in this rule: (A) ‘‘Involuntary statement’’ means a

statement obtained in violation of the self-incrimination privilege or due process clause of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, Article 31, or through the use of coercion, unlawful influence, or

unlawful inducement.

(B) ‘‘Confession’’ means an acknowledgment of guilt.

(C) ‘‘Admission’’ means a selfincriminating statement falling short of an acknowledgment of guilt, even if it was intended by its maker to be exculpatory.

(2) Failure to deny an accusation of wrongdoing is not an admission of the

truth of the accusation if at the time of the alleged failure the person was under investigation or was in confinement, arrest, or custody for the alleged wrongdoing.

(b) Evidence Derived from a

Statement of the Accused. When the defense has made an appropriate and timely motion or objection under this rule, evidence derived from a statement of the accused may not be admitted unless the military judge finds by a preponderance of the evidence that:

(1) The statement was made voluntarily,

(2) The allegedly derivative evidence was not obtained by use of the accused’s

statement, or

(3) The evidence would have been

obtained even if the statement had not

been made.

(c) Corroboration of a Confession or

Admission.

(1) An admission or a confession of the accused may be considered as evidence against the accused on the question of guilt or innocence only if independent evidence, either direct or circumstantial, has been admitted into

evidence that corroborates the essential facts admitted to justify sufficiently an

inference of their truth.

(2) Other uncorroborated confessions

or admissions of the accused that would themselves require corroboration may not be used to supply this independent evidence. If the independent evidence

raises an inference of the truth of some

but not all of the essential facts admitted, then the confession or admission may be considered as evidence against the accused only with respect to those essential facts stated in

the confession or admission that are corroborated by the independent

evidence.

(3) Corroboration is not required for a statement made by the accused before the court by which the accused is being tried, for statements made prior to or contemporaneously with the act, or for

statements offered under a rule of evidence other than that pertaining to the admissibility of admissions or

confessions.


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(4) Quantum of Evidence Needed. The independent evidence necessary to

establish corroboration need not be sufficient of itself to establish beyond a

reasonable doubt the truth of facts stated

in the admission or confession. The independent evidence need raise only

an inference of the truth of the essential facts admitted. The amount and type of

evidence introduced as corroboration is a factor to be considered by the trier of fact in determining the weight, if any, to be given to the admission or confession.

(5) Procedure. The military judge alone will determine when adequate

evidence of corroboration has been received. Corroborating evidence must

be introduced before the admission or

confession is introduced unless the military judge allows submission of such evidence subject to later

corroboration.

(d) Disclosure of Statements by the

Accused and Derivative Evidence. Before arraignment, the prosecution

must disclose to the defense the contents of all statements, oral or written, made by the accused that are relevant to the case, known to the trial counsel, and within the control of the armed forces, and all evidence derived from such statements, that the prosecution intends to offer against the

accused.

(e) Limited Use of an Involuntary

Statement. A statement obtained in

violation of Article 31 or Mil. R. Evid. 305(a)–(c) may be used only:

(1) To impeach by contradiction the in-court testimony of the accused; or

(2) In a later prosecution against the accused for perjury, false swearing, or the making of a false official statement.

(f) Motions and Objections. (1) Motions to suppress or objections under this rule, or Mil. R. Evid. 302 or 305, to any statement or derivative

evidence that has been disclosed must be made by the defense prior to submission of a plea. In the absence of such motion or objection, the defense may not raise the issue at a later time except as permitted by the military judge for good cause shown. Failure to so move or object constitutes a waiver of the objection.

(2) If the prosecution seeks to offer a statement made by the accused or

derivative evidence that was not disclosed before arraignment, the prosecution must provide timely notice to the military judge and defense counsel. The defense may object at that time and the military judge may make such orders as are required in the interests of justice.

(3) The defense may present evidence relevant to the admissibility of evidence as to which there has been an objection or motion to suppress under this rule. An accused may testify for the limited purpose of denying that the accused

made the statement or that the statement was made voluntarily.

(A) Prior to the introduction of such testimony by the accused, the defense must inform the military judge that the testimony is offered under this

subdivision.

(B) When the accused testifies under this subdivision, the accused may be cross-examined only as to the matter on which he or she testifies. Nothing saidby the accused on either direct or crossexamination may be used against the accused for any purpose other than in a prosecution for perjury, false swearing, or the making of a false

official statement.

(4) Specificity. The military judge may require the defense to specify the grounds upon which the defense moves to suppress or object to evidence. If defense counsel, despite the exercise of due diligence, has been unable to interview adequately those persons involved in the taking of a statement, the military judge may make any order required in the interests of justice, including authorization for the defense to make a general motion to suppress or general objection.

(5) Rulings. The military judge must rule, prior to plea, upon any motion to suppress or objection to evidence made prior to plea unless, for good cause, the military judge orders that the ruling be

deferred for determination at trial or after findings. The military judge may not defer ruling if doing so adversely affects a party’s right to appeal the ruling. The military judge must state essential findings of fact on the record when the ruling involves factual issues.

(6) Burden of Proof. When the defense has made an appropriate motion or objection under this rule, the prosecution has the burden of establishing the admissibility of the evidence. When the military judge has required a specific motion or objection under subdivision (f)(4), the burden on the prosecution extends only to the grounds upon which the defense moved to suppress or object to the evidence.

(7) Standard of Proof. The military judge must find by a preponderance of the evidence that a statement by the accused was made voluntarily before it may be received into evidence. When trial is by a special court-martial without a military judge, a determination by the president of the

court that a statement was made voluntarily is subject to objection by any

member of the court. When such objection is made, it will be resolved pursuant to R.C.M. 801(e)(3)(C). (8) Effect of Guilty Plea. Except as otherwise expressly provided in R.C.M. 910(a)(2), a plea of guilty to an offense that results in a finding of guilty waives all privileges against self-incrimination and all motions and objections under this rule with respect to that offense regardless of whether raised prior to plea.

(g) Weight of the Evidence. If a statement is admitted into evidence, the military judge must permit the defense to present relevant evidence with respect to the voluntariness of the

statement and must instruct the members to give such weight to the

statement as it deserves under all the

circumstances.

(h) Completeness. If only part of an alleged admission or confession is introduced against the accused, the defense, by cross-examination or otherwise, may introduce the remaining portions of the statement.

(i) Evidence of an Oral Statement. A voluntary oral confession or admission of the accused may be proved by the testimony of anyone who heard the accused make it, even if it was reduced to writing and the writing is not

accounted for.

(j) Refusal To Obey an Order To Submit a Body Substance. If an accused

refuses a lawful order to submit for chemical analysis a sample of his or her blood, breath, urine or other body substance, evidence of such refusal may

be admitted into evidence on:

(1) A charge of violating an order to submit such a sample; or

(2) Any other charge on which the results of the chemical analysis would

have been admissible.

Rule 305. Warnings About Rights

(a) General Rule. A statement

obtained in violation of this rule is involuntary and will be treated under

Mil. R. Evid. 304.

(1) Article 31 Rights Advisory. A

statement obtained from the accused in violation of the accused’s rights under Article 31 is involuntary and therefore inadmissible against the accused except as provided in subdivision (d).

(2) Fifth Amendment Right to Counsel. If a person suspected of an offense and subjected to custodial interrogation requests counsel, any statement made in the interrogation, or evidence derived from the interrogation, is inadmissible against the accused unless counsel was present for the interrogation.

(3) Sixth Amendment Right to Counsel. If an accused against whom charges have been preferred is interrogated on matters concerning the preferred charges by anyone acting in a


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law enforcement capacity, or the agent of such a person, and the accused requests counsel, or if the accused has appointed or retained counsel, any statement made in the interrogation, or evidence derived from the interrogation,

is inadmissible unless counsel was present for the interrogation.

(4) Definitions. As used in this rule: (A) ‘‘ Person subject to the code’’ means a person subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, as defined by Article 2, and includes a knowing agent of any such person or of a military unit.

(B) ‘‘ Interrogation’’ means any formal or informal questioning in which an incriminating response either is sought or is a reasonable consequence of such questioning.

(C) ‘‘ Custodial interrogation’’ means questioning that takes place while the accused or suspect is in custody, could reasonably believe himself or herself to be in custody, or is otherwise deprived of his or her freedom of action in any significant way.

(b) Provision of Counsel. When a person entitled to counsel under this rule requests counsel, a judge advocate

or an individual certified in accordance with Article 27(b) will be provided by the United States at no expense to the person and without regard to the person’s indigency before the interrogation may proceed. In addition to counsel supplied by the United States, the person may retain civilian counsel at no expense to the United States. Unless otherwise provided by regulations of the Secretary concerned, an accused or suspect does not have a right under this rule to have military

counsel of his or her own selection.

(c) Waiver. (1) Waiver of the Privilege Against Self-Incrimination. After receiving applicable warnings under this rule, a person may waive the rights described

therein and in Mil. R. Evid. 301 and

make a statement. The waiver must be made freely, knowingly, and intelligently. A written waiver is not required. The accused or suspect must affirmatively acknowledge that he or she understands the rights involved, affirmatively decline the right to counsel, and affirmatively consent to making a statement.

(2) Waiver of the Right to Counsel. If the right to counsel is applicable under this rule and the accused or suspect does not decline affirmatively the right to counsel, the prosecution must demonstrate by a preponderance of the

evidence that the individual waived the right to counsel.

(3) Waiver After Initially Invoking the Right to Counsel. (A) Fifth Amendment Right to Counsel. If an accused or suspect subjected to custodial interrogation requests counsel, any subsequent waiver of the right to counsel obtained during a custodial interrogation concerning the

same or different offenses is invalid unless the prosecution can demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that:

(i) The accused or suspect initiated the communication leading to the
waiver; or

(ii) The accused or suspect has not continuously had his or her freedom restricted by confinement, or other means, during the period between the request for counsel and the subsequent

waiver.

(B) Sixth Amendment Right to Counsel. If an accused or suspect interrogated after preferral of charges as described in subdivision (c)(1) requests counsel, any subsequent waiver of the right to counsel obtained during an interrogation concerning the same

offenses is invalid unless the prosecution can demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that the accused or suspect initiated the communication leading to the waiver.

(d) Standards for Nonmilitary Interrogations.

(1) United States Civilian Interrogations. When a person subject to the code is interrogated by an official or agent of the United States, of the District of Columbia, or of a State, Commonwealth, or possession of the United States, or any political subdivision of such a State, Commonwealth, or possession, the person’s entitlement to rights warnings and the validity of any waiver of applicable rights will be determined by the principles of law generally recognized in the trial of criminal cases

in the United States district courts involving similar interrogations.

(2) Foreign Interrogations. Warnings

under Article 31 and the Fifth and Sixth

Amendments to the United States Constitution are not required during an interrogation conducted outside of a State, district, commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States by officials of a foreign government or their agents unless such interrogation is conducted, instigated, or participated in by military personnel or their agents or by those officials or agents listed in subdivision (d)(1). A statement obtained from a foreign interrogation is

admissible unless the statement is obtained through the use of coercion, unlawful influence, or unlawful inducement. An interrogation is not ‘‘participated in’’ by military personnel or their agents or by the officials or agents listed in subdivision (d)(1) merely because such a person was present at an interrogation conducted in a foreign nation by officials of a foreign government or their agents, or because such a person acted as an interpreter or took steps to mitigate damage to property or physical harm during the foreign interrogation.

Rule 306. Statements by One of Several

Accused

When two or more accused are tried at the same trial, evidence of a statement made by one of them which is admissible only against him or her or only against some but not all of the accused may not be received in

evidence unless all references inculpating an accused against whom

the statement is inadmissible are deleted effectively or the maker of thestatement is subject to crossexamination.

Rule 311. Evidence Obtained From

Unlawful Searches and Seizures

(a) General Rule. Evidence obtained as

a result of an unlawful search or seizure made by a person acting in a governmental capacity is inadmissible against the accused if:

(1) The accused makes a timely motion to suppress or an objection to the evidence under this rule; and

(2) The accused had a reasonable expectation of privacy in the person, place or property searched; the accused had a legitimate interest in the property or evidence seized when challenging a seizure; or the accused would otherwise have grounds to object to the search or

seizure under the Constitution of the United States as applied to members of

the armed forces.

(b) Definition. As used in this rule, a

search or seizure is ‘‘unlawful’’ if it was conducted, instigated, or participated in by:

(1) Military personnel or their agents

and was in violation of the Constitution of the United States as applied to members of the armed forces, a federalstatute applicable to trials by courtmartial that requires exclusion of evidence obtained in violation thereof, or Mil. R. Evid. 312–317;

(2) Other officials or agents of the United States, of the District of Columbia, or of a State, Commonwealth, or possession of the United States or any political subdivision of such a State, Commonwealth, or possession, and was

in violation of the Constitution of the United States, or is unlawful under the principles of law generally applied in

the trial of criminal cases in the United States district courts involving a similar search or seizure; or


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(3) Officials of a foreign government or their agents, and the accused was subjected to gross and brutal

maltreatment. A search or seizure is not ‘‘participated in’’ by a United States military or civilian official merely because that person is present at a search or seizure conducted in a foreign nation by officials of a foreign government or their agents, or because that person acted as an interpreter or took steps to mitigate damage to property or physical harm during the foreign search or seizure.

(c) Exceptions. (1) Impeachment. Evidence that was

obtained as a result of an unlawful search or seizure may be used to impeach by contradiction the in-court testimony of the accused.

(2) Inevitable Discovery. Evidence

that was obtained as a result of an unlawful search or seizure may be used

when the evidence would have been

obtained even if such unlawful search

or seizure had not been made.

(3) Good Faith Execution of a Warrant

or Search Authorization. Evidence that

was obtained as a result of an unlawful search or seizure may be used if:

(A) The search or seizure resulted from an authorization to search, seize or apprehend issued by an individual competent to issue the authorization under Mil. R. Evid. 315(d) or from a

search warrant or arrest warrant issued by competent civilian authority;

(B) The individual issuing the

authorization or warrant had a substantial basis for determining the existence of probable cause; and

(C) The officials seeking and executing the authorization or warrant reasonably and with good faith relied on

the issuance of the authorization or

warrant. Good faith is to be determined using an objective standard.

(d) Motions to Suppress and Objections.

(1) Disclosure. Prior to arraignment, the prosecution must disclose to the

defense all evidence seized from the person or property of the accused, or believed to be owned by the accused, or evidence derived therefrom, that it intends to offer into evidence against

the accused at trial.

(2) Time Requirements. (A) When evidence has been disclosed prior to arraignment under subdivision (d)(1), the defense must make any motion to suppress or objection under this rule prior to submission of a plea. In the absence of such motion or objection, the defense may not raise the issue at a later time except as permitted by the military judge for good cause shown. Failure to so move or object constitutes a waiver of the motion or objection.

(B) If the prosecution intends to offer evidence described in subdivision (d)(1) that was not disclosed prior to arraignment, the prosecution must provide timely notice to the military judge and to counsel for the accused. The defense may enter an objection at that time and the military judge may make such orders as are required in the interest of justice.

(3) Specificity. The military judge may require the defense to specify the grounds upon which the defense moves to suppress or object to evidence described in subdivision (d)(1). If defense counsel, despite the exercise of due diligence, has been unable to interview adequately those persons involved in the search or seizure, the military judge may enter any order required by the interests of justice, including authorization for the defense to make a general motion to suppress or a general objection.

(4) Challenging Probable Cause. (A) Relevant Evidence. If the defense challenges evidence seized pursuant to

a search warrant or search authorization on the grounds that the warrant or authorization was not based upon probable cause, the evidence relevant to

the motion is limited to evidence concerning the information actually presented to or otherwise known by the authorizing officer, except as provided in subdivision (d)(4)(B).

(B) False Statements. If the defense makes a substantial preliminary showing that a government agent included a false statement knowingly and intentionally or with reckless disregard for the truth in the information presented to the authorizing officer, and if the allegedly false statement is necessary to the finding of probable cause, the defense, upon request, is entitled to a hearing. At the hearing, the defense has the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence the allegation of knowing and intentional falsity or reckless disregard

for the truth. If the defense meets its burden, the prosecution has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence, with the false information set aside, that the remaining information presented to the authorizing officer is sufficient to establish probable cause. If the prosecution does not meet its burden, the objection or motion must be granted unless the search is otherwise

lawful under these rules.

(5) Burden and Standard of Proof. (A) In general. When the defense makes an appropriate motion or objection under this subdivision (d), the prosecution has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that

the evidence was not obtained as a result of an unlawful search or seizure,

that the evidence would have been

obtained even if the unlawful search or seizure had not been made, or that the evidence was obtained by officials who reasonably and with good faith relied on

the issuance of an authorization to search, seize, or apprehend or a search

warrant or an arrest warrant.

(B) Statement Following Apprehension. In addition to subdivision (d)(5)(A), a statement obtained from a person apprehended in a dwelling in violation R.C.M. 302(d)(2) and (e), is admissible if the prosecution shows by a preponderance of the evidence that the apprehension was based on probable cause, the statement

was made at a location outside the dwelling subsequent to the apprehension, and the statement was otherwise in compliance with these

rules.

(C) Specific Grounds of Motion or Objection. When the military judge has required the defense to make a specific motion or objection under subdivision (d)(3), the burden on the prosecution extends only to the grounds upon which the defense moved to suppress or objected to the evidence.

(6) Defense Evidence. The defense may present evidence relevant to the admissibility of evidence as to which there has been an appropriate motion or objection under this rule. An accused may testify for the limited purpose of contesting the legality of the search or seizure giving rise to the challenged

evidence. Prior to the introduction of such testimony by the accused, the defense must inform the military judge that the testimony is offered under this

subdivision. When the accused testifies under this subdivision, the accused may be cross-examined only as to the matter on which he or she testifies. Nothing said by the accused on either direct or cross-examination may be used against the accused for any purpose other than in a prosecution for perjury, false swearing, or the making of a false

official statement.

(7) Rulings. The military judge must rule, prior to plea, upon any motion to suppress or objection to evidence made prior to plea unless, for good cause, the military judge orders that the ruling be

deferred for determination at trial or after findings. The military judge may not defer ruling if doing so adversely affects a party’s right to appeal the ruling. The military judge must state essential findings of fact on the record when the ruling involves factual issues.

(8) Informing the Members. If a defense motion or objection under this


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rule is sustained in whole or in part, the court-martial members may not be informed of that fact except when the military judge must instruct the members to disregard evidence.

(e) Effect of Guilty Plea. Except as otherwise expressly provided in R.C.M. 910(a)(2), a plea of guilty to an offense that results in a finding of guilty waives

all issues under the Fourth Amendment

to the Constitution of the United States and Mil. R. Evid. 311–317 with respect

to the offense whether or not raised prior to plea.

Rule 312. Body Views and Intrusions

(a) General Rule. Evidence obtained from body views and intrusions

conducted in accordance with this rule

is admissible at trial when relevant and

not otherwise inadmissible under these

rules.

(b) Visual Examination of the Body. (1) Consensual Examination. Evidence

obtained from a visual examination of the unclothed body is admissible if the person consented to the inspection in accordance with Mil. R. Evid. 314(e).

(2) Involuntary Examination. Evidence obtained from an involuntary display of the unclothed body, including a visual examination of body cavities, is admissible only if the inspection was conducted in a

reasonable fashion and authorized under the following provisions of the Military Rules of Evidence:

(A) Inspections and inventories under Mil. R. Evid. 313;

(B) Searches under Mil. R. Evid. 314(b) and 314(c) if there is a reasonable suspicion that weapons, contraband, or

evidence of crime is concealed on the body of the person to be searched;

(C) Searches incident to lawful apprehension under Mil. R. Evid. 314(g);

(D) Searches within jails and similar facilities under Mil. R. Evid. 314(h) if reasonably necessary to maintain the security of the institution or its personnel;

(E) Emergency searches under Mil. R. Evid. 314(i); and

(F) Probable cause searches under

Mil. R. Evid. 315.

(c) Intrusion into Body Cavities. (1) Mouth, Nose, and Ears. Evidence

obtained from a reasonable nonconsensual physical intrusion into the mouth, nose, and ears is admissible under the same standards that apply to a visual examination of the body under subdivision (b).

(2) Other Body Cavities. Evidence

obtained from nonconsensual intrusions into other body cavities is admissible only if made in a reasonable fashion by a person with appropriate medical qualifications and if:

(A) At the time of the intrusion there was probable cause to believe that a weapon, contraband, or other evidence of crime was present;

(B) Conducted to remove weapons, contraband, or evidence of crime discovered under subdivisions (b) or (c)(2)(A) of this rule;

(C) Conducted pursuant to Mil. R. Evid. 316(c)(5)(C);

(D) Conducted pursuant to a search

warrant or search authorization under Mil. R. Evid. 315; or

(E) Conducted pursuant to Mil. R. Evid. 314(h) based on a reasonable suspicion that the individual is concealing a weapon, contraband, or

evidence of crime.

(d) Extraction of Body Fluids.

Evidence obtained from nonconsensual extraction of body fluids is admissible if seized pursuant to a search warrant or

a search authorization under Mil. R. Evid. 315. Evidence obtained from body

fluid extractions made without such a warrant or authorization is admissible, not withstanding Mil. R. Evid. 315(g), only when probable cause existed at the

time of extraction to believe that

evidence of crime would be found and that the delay necessary to obtain a

search warrant or search authorization

could have resulted in the destruction of

the evidence. Evidence obtained from involuntary extraction of body fluids is admissible only when executed in a reasonable fashion by a person with appropriate medical qualifications.

(e) Other Intrusive Searches. Evidence

obtained from a nonconsensual intrusive search of the body, other than searches described in subdivisions (c) or (d), conducted to locate or obtain weapons, contraband, or evidence of crime is admissible only if obtained pursuant to a search warrant or search

authorization under Mil. R. Evid. 315

and conducted in a reasonable fashion by a person with appropriate medical qualifications in such a manner so as not to endanger the health of the person

to be searched.

(f) Intrusions for Valid Medical Purposes. Evidence or contraband

obtained in the course of a medical

examination or an intrusion conducted for a valid medical purpose is

admissible. Such an examination or intrusion may not, for the purpose of obtaining evidence or contraband, exceed what is necessary for the medical purpose.

(g) Medical Qualifications. The Secretary concerned may prescribe appropriate medical qualifications for persons who conduct searches and

seizures under this rule. Rule 313. Inspections and Inventories

in the Armed Forces

(a) General Rule. Evidence obtained from lawful inspections and inventories

in the armed forces is admissible at trial

when relevant and not otherwise

inadmissible under these rules. Unlawful weapons, contraband, or other evidence of crime discovered during a lawful inspection or inventory may be

seized and are admissible in accordance

with this rule.

(b) Lawful Inspections. An ‘‘inspection’’ is an examination of the whole or part of a unit, organization, installation, vessel, aircraft, or vehicle, including an examination conducted at entrance and exit points, conducted as an incident of command the primary purpose of which is to determine and to ensure the security, military fitness, or good order and discipline of the unit, organization, installation, vessel, aircraft, or vehicle. Inspections must be conducted in a reasonable fashion and, if applicable, must comply with Mil. R. Evid. 312. Inspections may utilize any reasonable natural or technological aid and may be conducted with or without notice to those inspected.

(1) Purpose of Inspections. An inspection may include, but is not limited to, an examination to determine and to ensure that any or all of the following requirements are met: that the command is properly equipped, functioning properly, maintaining proper standards of readiness, sea or airworthiness, sanitation and cleanliness; and that personnel are present, fit, and ready for duty. An order to produce body fluids, such as urine, is permissible in accordance with this

rule.

(2) Searches for Evidence. An examination made for the primary purpose of obtaining evidence for use in a trial by court-martial or in other disciplinary proceedings is not an inspection within the meaning of this

rule.

(3) Examinations to Locate and Confiscate Weapons or Contraband.

(A) An inspection may include an

examination to locate and confiscate unlawful weapons and other contraband provided that the criteria set forth in this subdivision (b)(3)(B) are not implicated.

(B) The prosecution must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the examination was an inspection within the meaning of this rule if a purpose of an examination is to locate weapons or contraband, and if:

(i) The examination was directed immediately following a report of a specific offense in the unit,


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organization, installation, vessel, aircraft, or vehicle and was not previously scheduled;

(ii) Specific individuals are selected for examination; or

(iii) Persons examined are subjected to substantially different intrusions during the same examination.

(c) Lawful Inventories. An ‘‘inventory’’ is a reasonable examination, accounting, or other

control measure used to account for or control property, assets, or other

resources. It is administrative and not prosecutorial in nature; and if applicable, the inventory must comply

with Mil. R. Evid. 312. An examination made for the primary purpose of obtaining evidence for use in a trial by court-martial or in other disciplinary proceedings is not an inventory within the meaning of this rule.

Rule 314. Searches Not Requiring

Probable Cause

(a) General Rule. Evidence obtained from reasonable searches not requiring probable cause is admissible at trial

when relevant and not otherwise

inadmissible under these rules or the

Constitution of the United States as applied to members of the armed forces.

(b) Border Searches. Evidence from a

border search for customs or immigration purposes authorized by a

federal statute is admissible.

(c) Searches Upon Entry to or Exit from United States Installations, Aircraft, and Vessels Abroad. In addition to inspections under Mil. R. Evid. 313(b), evidence is admissible

when a commander of a United States military installation, enclave, or aircraft on foreign soil, or in foreign or international airspace, or a United States vessel in foreign or international waters, has authorized appropriate personnel to search persons or the property of such persons upon entry to or exit from the installation, enclave, aircraft, or vessel to ensure the security, military fitness, or good order and discipline of the command. A search made for the primary purpose of obtaining evidence for use in a trial by court-martial or other disciplinary proceeding is not authorized by this subdivision (c).

(d) Searches of Government Property. Evidence resulting from a search of government property without probable

cause is admissible under this rule unless the person to whom the property is issued or assigned has a reasonable expectation of privacy therein at the time of the search. Normally a person does not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in government property that is not issued for personal use. Wall or floor lockers in living quarters issued for the purpose of storing personal possessions normally are issued for personal use, but the determination as to whether a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy in government property issued for personal use depends on the facts and circumstances

at the time of the search.

(e) Consent Searches. (1) General Rule. Evidence of a search conducted without probable cause is

admissible if conducted with lawful

consent.

(2) Who May Consent. A person may consent to a search of his or her person or property, or both, unless control over such property has been given to another. A person may grant consent to search property when the person exercises control over that property.

(3) Scope of Consent. Consent may be limited in any way by the person granting consent, including limitations in terms of time, place, or property and may be withdrawn at any time.

(4) Voluntariness. To be valid, consent must be given voluntarily. Voluntariness is a question to be

determined from all the circumstances. Although a person’s knowledge of the right to refuse to give consent is a factor to be considered in determining voluntariness, the prosecution is not required to demonstrate such knowledge as a prerequisite to establishing a voluntary consent. Mere submission to the color of authority of personnel performing law enforcement duties or acquiescence in an announced or indicated purpose to search is not a voluntary consent.

(5) Burden and Standard of Proof. The prosecution must prove consent by clear and convincing evidence. The fact that a person was in custody while granting

consent is a factor to be considered in determining the voluntariness of consent, but it does not affect the standard of proof.

(f) Searches Incident to a Lawful Stop. (1) Lawfulness. A stop is lawful when conducted by a person authorized to apprehend under R.C.M. 302(b) or others performing law enforcement duties and when the person making the stop has information or observes

unusual conduct that leads him or her reasonably to conclude in light of his or her experience that criminal activity may be afoot. The stop must be temporary and investigatory in nature.

(2) Stop and Frisk. Evidence is admissible if seized from a person who was lawfully stopped and who was frisked for weapons because he or she was reasonably believed to be armed and presently dangerous. Contraband or evidence that is located in the process of a lawful frisk may be seized.

(3) Vehicles. Evidence is admissible if seized from the passenger compartment of a vehicle in which a person lawfully stopped is the driver or a passenger and if the official who made the stop has a reasonable belief that the person stopped is dangerous and may gain immediate control of a weapon.

(g) Searches Incident to Apprehension.

(1) General Rule. Evidence is

admissible if seized in a search of a person who has been lawfully apprehended or if seized as a result of a reasonable protective sweep.

(2) Search for Weapons and

Destructible Evidence. A lawful search incident to apprehension may include a search for weapons or destructible

evidence in the area within the immediate control of a person who has been apprehended. ‘‘Immediate control’’

means that area in which the individual searching could reasonably believe that the person apprehended could reach

with a sudden movement to obtain such
property.

(3) Protective Sweep for Other

Persons.

(A) Area of Potential Immediate Attack. Apprehending officials may, incident to apprehension, as a precautionary matter and without probable cause or reasonable suspicion, look in closets and other spaces immediately adjoining the place of apprehension from which an attack could be immediately launched.

(B) Wider Protective Sweep. When an apprehension takes place at a location in which another person might be present who might endanger the apprehending officials or others in the area of the apprehension, a search incident to arrest may lawfully include

a reasonable examination of those spaces where a person might be found.

Such a reasonable examination is lawful

under this subdivision if the apprehending official has a reasonable suspicion based on specific and

articulable facts that the area to be examined harbors an individual posing a danger to those in the area of the apprehension.

(h) Searches within Jails, Confinement Facilities, or Similar Facilities. Evidence obtained from a search within a jail, confinement facility, or similar facility

is admissible even if conducted without probable cause provided that it was authorized by persons with authority

over the institution.

(i) Emergency Searches to Save Life or for Related Purposes. Evidence obtained from emergency searches of persons or property conducted to save life, or for a


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related purpose, is admissible provided that the search was conducted in a good

faith effort to render immediate medical aid, to obtain information that will assist in the rendering of such aid, or to prevent immediate or ongoing personal injury.

(j) Searches of Open Fields or

Woodlands. Evidence obtained from a search of an open field or woodland is admissible provided that the search was not unlawful within the meaning of Mil.

R. Evid. 311.

Rule 315. Probable Cause Searches

(a) General Rule. Evidence obtained

from reasonable searches conducted pursuant to a search warrant or search authorization, or under the exigent circumstances described in this rule, is

admissible at trial when relevant and

not otherwise inadmissible under these

rules or the Constitution of the United States as applied to members of the

armed forces.

(b) Definitions. As used in these rules: (1) ‘‘Search authorization’’ means express permission, written or oral, issued by competent military authority to search a person or an area for specified property or evidence or for a specific person and to seize such property, evidence, or person. It may contain an order directing subordinate personnel to conduct a search in a specified manner.

(2) ‘‘Search warrant’’ means express permission to search and seize issued by competent civilian authority.

(c) Scope of Search Authorization. A search authorization may be valid under

this rule for a search of:

(1) The physical person of anyone subject to military law or the law of war wherever found;

(2) Military property of the United States or of nonappropriated fund

activities of an armed force of the United States wherever located;

(3) Persons or property situated on or in a military installation, encampment, vessel, aircraft, vehicle, or any other location under military control, wherever located; or

(4) Nonmilitary property within a foreign country.

(d) Who May Authorize. A search

authorization under this rule is valid only if issued by an impartial individual in this subdivision (d)(1) and (d)(2). An otherwise impartial authorizing official does not lose the character merely because he or she is present at the scene of a search or is otherwise readily available to persons who may seek the issuance of a search authorization; nor does such an official lose impartial character merely because the official previously and impartially authorized investigative activities when such previous authorization is similar in intent or function to a pretrial authorization made by the United States

district courts.

(1) Commander. A commander or other person serving in a position designated by the Secretary concerned as either a position analogous to an officer in charge or a position of command, who has control over the place where the property or person to be searched is situated or found, or, if that place is not under military control, having control over persons subject to military law or the law of war; or

(2) Military Judge or Magistrate. A military judge or magistrate if authorized under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary concerned.

(e) Who May Search. (1) Search Authorization. Any commissioned officer, warrant officer, petty officer, noncommissioned officer, and, when in the execution of guard or police duties, any criminal investigator, member of the Air Force security forces, military police, or shore patrol, or person designated by proper authority to perform guard or police duties, or any agent of any such person, may conduct

or authorize a search when a search authorization has been granted under

this rule or a search would otherwise be proper under subdivision (g).

(2) Search Warrants. Any civilian or military criminal investigator authorized to request search warrants pursuant to applicable law or regulation

is authorized to serve and execute

search warrants. The execution of a search warrant affects admissibility only

insofar as exclusion of evidence is required by the Constitution of the United States or an applicable federal

statute.

(f) Basis for Search Authorizations. (1) Probable Cause Requirement. A

search authorization issued under this rule must be based upon probable cause.

(2) Probable Cause Determination.

Probable cause to search exists when

there is a reasonable belief that the person, property, or evidence sought is located in the place or on the person to be searched. A search authorization may be based upon hearsay evidence in whole or in part. A determination of probable cause under this rule will be based upon any or all of the following:

(A) Written statements communicated to the authorizing officer;

(B) Oral statements communicated to the authorizing official in person, via telephone, or by other appropriate means of communication; or

(C) Such information as may be known by the authorizing official that would not preclude the officer from acting in an impartial fashion. The Secretary of Defense or the Secretary concerned may prescribe additional requirements.

(g) Exigencies. Evidence obtained from a probable cause search is

admissible without a search warrant or

search authorization when there is a reasonable belief that the delay necessary to obtain a search warrant or

search authorization would result in the removal, destruction, or concealment of the property or evidence sought. Military operational necessity may create an exigency by prohibiting or preventing communication with a person empowered to grant a search

authorization.

Rule 316. Seizures

(a) General Rule. Evidence obtained

from reasonable seizures is admissible

at trial when the evidence when

relevant and not otherwise inadmissible

under these rules or the Constitution of the United States as applied to members

of the armed forces.

(b) Apprehension. Apprehension is governed by R.C.M. 302.

(c) Seizure of Property or Evidence. (1) Based on Probable Cause.

Evidence is admissible when seized

based on a reasonable belief that the property or evidence is an unlawful weapon, contraband, evidence of crime, or might be used to resist apprehension
or to escape.

(2) Abandoned Property. Abandoned property may be seized without probable cause and without a search

warrant or search authorization. Such seizure may be made by any person.

(3) Consent. Property or evidence may

be seized with consent consistent with the requirements applicable to

consensual searches under Mil. R. Evid.

314.

(4) Government Property. Government property may be seized without probable cause and without a search warrant or search authorization by any person listed in subdivision (e), unless the person to whom the property is issued or assigned has a reasonable expectation of privacy therein, as provided in Mil. R. Evid. 314(d), at the

time of the seizure.

(5) Other Property. Property or evidence not included in paragraph (1)– (4) may be seized for use in evidence by any person listed in subdivision (e) if:

(A) Authorization. The person is authorized to seize the property or evidence by a search warrant or a search authorization under Mil. R. Evid. 315;

(B) Exigent Circumstances. The person has probable cause to seize the property or evidence and under Mil. R.


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Evid. 315(g) a search warrant or search authorization is not required; or

(C) Plain View. The person while in the course of otherwise lawful activity

observes in a reasonable fashion property or evidence that the person has probable cause to seize.

(6) Temporary Detention. Nothing in this rule prohibits temporary detention of property on less than probable cause

when authorized under the Constitution

of the United States.

(d) Who May Seize. Any commissioned officer, warrant officer, petty officer, noncommissioned officer, and, when in the execution of guard or police duties, any criminal investigator, member of the Air Force security forces, military police, or shore patrol, or individual designated by proper authority to perform guard or police duties, or any agent of any such person, may seize property pursuant to this rule.

(e) Evidence obtained from a seizure

not addressed in this rule is admissible provided that its seizure was permissible under the Constitution of the United States as applied to members

of the armed forces.

Rule 317. Interception of Wire and Oral

Communications

(a) General Rule. Wire or oral

communications constitute evidence

obtained as a result of an unlawful search or seizure within the meaning of

Mil. R. Evid. 311 when such evidence

must be excluded under the Fourth

Amendment to the Constitution of the United States as applied to members of

the armed forces or if such evidence

must be excluded under a federal statute applicable to members of the armed

forces.

(b) When Authorized by Court Order. Evidence from the interception of wire

or oral communications is admissible when authorized pursuant to an application to a federal judge of competent jurisdiction under the provisions of a federal statute.

(c) Regulations. Notwithstanding any other provision of these rules, evidence obtained by members of the armed forces or their agents through interception of wire or oral

communications for law enforcement purposes is not admissible unless such interception:

(1) Takes place in the United States and is authorized under subdivision (b);

(2) takes place outside the United

States and is authorized under regulations issued by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary concerned; or

(3) is authorized under regulations issued by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary concerned and is not unlawful under applicable federal statutes. Rule 321. Eyewitness Identification

(a) General Rule. Testimony concerning a relevant out of court identification by any person is admissible, subject to an appropriate objection under this rule, if such testimony is otherwise admissible under these rules. The witness making the identification and any person who has observed the previous identification may testify concerning it. When in testimony a witness identifies the accused as being, or not being, a participant in an offense or makes any other relevant identification concerning a person in the courtroom, evidence that on a previous occasion the witness

made a similar identification is

admissible to corroborate the witness’s testimony as to identity even if the credibility of the witness has not been attacked directly, subject to appropriate objection under this rule.

(b) When Inadmissible. An identification of the accused as being a participant in an offense, whether such

identification is made at the trial or otherwise, is inadmissible against the

accused if:

(1) The identification is the result of an unlawful lineup or other unlawful identification process, as defined in subdivision (c), conducted by the

United States or other domestic

authorities and the accused makes a timely motion to suppress or an objection to the evidence under this rule; or

(2) Exclusion of the evidence is required by the due process clause of

the Fifth Amendment to the

Constitution of the United States as applied to members of the armed forces.

Evidence other than an identification of

the accused that is obtained as a result of the unlawful lineup or unlawful identification process is inadmissible against the accused if the accused makes a timely motion to suppress or an objection to the evidence under this rule

and if exclusion of the evidence is required under the Constitution of the United States as applied to members of

the armed forces.

(c) Unlawful Lineup or Identification

Process.

(1) Unreliable. A lineup or other identification process is unreliable, and therefore unlawful, if the lineup or other identification process is so suggestive as

to create a substantial likelihood of

misidentification.

(2) In Violation of Right to Counsel. A lineup is unlawful if it is conducted in violation of the accused’s rights to

counsel.

(A) Military Lineups. An accused or suspect is entitled to counsel if, after preferral of charges or imposition of pretrial restraint under R.C.M. 304 for the offense under investigation, the accused is required by persons subject to the code or their agents to participate in a lineup for the purpose of identification. When a person entitled to counsel under this rule requests counsel, a judge advocate or a person

certified in accordance with Article 27(b) will be provided by the United States at no expense to the accused or suspect and without regard to indigency or lack thereof before the lineup may proceed. The accused or suspect may waive the rights provided in this rule if the waiver is freely, knowingly, and intelligently made.

(B) Nonmilitary Lineups. When a person subject to the code is required to participate in a lineup for purposes of identification by an official or agent of the United States, of the District of Columbia, or of a State, Commonwealth, or possession of the United States, or any political subdivision of such a State, Commonwealth, or possession, and the provisions of subdivision (2)(A) do not apply, the person’s entitlement to counsel and the validity of any waiver of applicable rights will be determined by the principles of law generally recognized in the trial of criminal cases

in the United States district courts involving similar lineups.

(d) Motions to Suppress and Objections.

(1) Disclosure. Prior to arraignment, the prosecution must disclose to the defense all evidence of, or derived from, a prior identification of the accused as a lineup or other identification process

that it intends to offer into evidence against the accused at trial.

(2) Time Requirement. When such evidence has been disclosed, any motion to suppress or objection under this rule must be made by the defense prior to submission of a plea. In the absence of such motion or objection, the defense may not raise the issue at a later time except as permitted by the military judge for good cause shown. Failure to

so move constitutes a waiver of the motion or objection.

(3) Continuing Duty. If the prosecution intends to offer such

evidence and the evidence was not disclosed prior to arraignment, the prosecution must provide timely notice to the military judge and counsel for the accused. The defense may enter an objection at that time and the military judge may make such orders as are required in the interests of justice.

(4) Specificity. The military judge may require the defense to specify the grounds upon which the defense moves to suppress or object to evidence. If


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defense counsel, despite the exercise of due diligence, has been unable to interview adequately those persons involved in the lineup or other identification process, the military judge may enter any order required by the interests of justice, including

authorization for the defense to make a general motion to suppress or a general objection.

(5) Defense Evidence. The defense may present evidence relevant to the issue of the admissibility of evidence as to which there has been an appropriate motion or objection under this rule. An accused may testify for the limited purpose of contesting the legality of the lineup or identification process giving rise to the challenged evidence. Prior to the introduction of such testimony by the accused, the defense must inform the military judge that the testimony is

offered under this subdivision. When

the accused testifies under thissubdivision, the accused may be crossexamined only as to the matter on which he or she testifies. Nothing saidby the accused on either direct or crossexamination may be used against the accused for any purpose other than in a prosecution for perjury, false swearing, or the making of a false

official statement.

(6) Burden and Standard of Proof. When the defense has raised a specific motion or objection under subdivision (d)(3), the burden on the prosecution extends only to the grounds upon which the defense moved to suppress or object

to the evidence.

(A) Right to Counsel. (i) Initial Violation of Right to Counsel at a Lineup. When the accused raises the right to presence of counsel under this rule, the prosecution must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that counsel was present at the lineup or that the accused, having been advised of the right to the presence of counsel, voluntarily and intelligently waived that right prior to the lineup.

(ii) Identification Subsequent to a Lineup Conducted in Violation of the Right to Counsel. When the military judge determines that an identification is the result of a lineup conducted without the presence of counsel or an appropriate waiver, any later identification by one present at such unlawful lineup is also a result thereof unless the military judge determines that the contrary has been shown by clear and convincing evidence.

(B) Unreliable Identification. (i) Initial Unreliable Identification. When an objection raises the issue of an unreliable identification, the prosecution must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the identification was reliable under the

circumstances.

(ii) Identification Subsequent to an

Unreliable Identification. When the military judge determines that an

identification is the result of an unreliable identification, a later identification may be admitted if the prosecution proves by clear and convincing evidence that the later

identification is not the result of the

inadmissible identification.

(7) Rulings. A motion to suppress or an objection to evidence made prior to plea under this rule will be ruled upon prior to plea unless the military judge, for good cause, orders that it be deferred

for determination at the trial of the general issue or until after findings, but

no such determination will be deferred if a party’s right to appeal the ruling is affected adversely. Where factual issues are involved in ruling upon such motion or objection, the military judge will state his or her essential findings of fact on

the record.

(e) Effect of Guilty Pleas. Except as otherwise expressly provided in R.C.M. 910(a)(2), a plea of guilty to an offense that results in a finding of guilty waives all issues under this rule with respect to that offense whether or not raised prior to the plea.

Rule 401. Test for Relevant Evidence

Evidence is relevant if: (a) It has any tendency to make a fact more or less probable than it would be without the evidence; and

(b) The fact is of consequence in determining the action.

Rule 402. General Admissibility of

Relevant Evidence

(a) Relevant evidence is admissible unless any of the following provides

otherwise:

(1) The United States Constitution as it applies to members of the armed forces;

(2) A federal statute; (3) These rules; (4) This Manual; or (5) Other rules prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority.

(b) Irrelevant evidence is not

admissible.

Rule 403. Excluding Relevant Evidence for Prejudice, Confusion, Waste of Time, or Other Reasons

The military judge may exclude relevant evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by a danger of one or more of the following: Unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, misleading the members, undue delay, wasting time, or needlessly presenting

cumulative evidence. Rule 404. Character Evidence; Crimes

or Other Acts

(a) Character Evidence. (1) Prohibited Uses. Evidence of a person’s character or character trait is not admissible to prove that on a particular occasion the person acted in

accordance with the character or trait.

(2) Exceptions for an Accused or Alleged Victim:

(A) The accused may offer evidence of the accused’s pertinent trait, and if the evidence is admitted, the prosecution may offer evidence to rebut it.

(B) Subject to the limitations in Mil. R. Evid. 412, the accused may offer evidence of an alleged victim’s pertinent trait, and if the evidence is admitted, the prosecution may:

(i) Offer evidence to rebut it; and (ii) Offer evidence of the accused’s same trait; and

(C) In a homicide or assault case, the prosecution may offer evidence of the alleged victim’s trait of peacefulness to rebut evidence that the alleged victim was the first aggressor.

(3) Exceptions for a Witness. Evidence of a witness’s character may be admitted under Mil. R. Evid. 607, 608, and 609.

(b) Crimes, Wrongs, or Other Acts. (1) Prohibited Uses. Evidence of a crime, wrong, or other act is not admissible to prove a person’s character in order to show that on a particular occasion the person acted in accordance

with the character.

(2) Permitted Uses; Notice. This evidence may be admissible for another purpose, such as proving motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, absence of mistake, or lack of accident. On request by the accused, the prosecution must:

(A) Provide reasonable notice of the general nature of any such evidence that the prosecution intends to offer at trial;

and

(B) Do so before trial—or during trial if the military judge, for good cause, excuses lack of pretrial notice.

Rule 405. Methods of Proving Character

(a) By Reputation or Opinion. When evidence of a person’s character or character trait is admissible, it may be proved by testimony about the person’s reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On cross-examination of the character witness, the military judge may allow an inquiry into relevant specific instances of the person’s

conduct.

(b) By Specific Instances of Conduct. When a person’s character or character trait is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense, the character or trait may also be proved by relevant specific instances of the person’s conduct.


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(c) By Affidavit. The defense may

introduce affidavits or other written statements of persons other than the accused concerning the character of the

accused. If the defense introduces

affidavits or other written statements under this subdivision, the prosecution may, in rebuttal, also introduce

affidavits or other written statements regarding the character of the accused. Evidence of this type may be introduced by the defense or prosecution only if, aside from being contained in an affidavit or other written statement, it

would otherwise be admissible under

these rules.

(d) Definitions. As used in this rule: (1) ‘‘Reputation’’ means the estimation in which a person generally is held in the community in which the person lives or pursues a business or profession.

(2) ‘‘Community’’ means a post, camp, ship, station, or other military organization regardless of size.

Rule 406. Habit; Routine Practice

Evidence of a person’s habit or an organization’s routine practice may be admitted to prove that on a particular occasion the person or organization

acted in accordance with the habit or routine practice. The military judge may admit this evidence regardless of

whether it is corroborated or whether there was an eyewitness.

Rule 407. Subsequent Remedial

Measures

(a) When measures are taken that would have made an earlier injury or harm less likely to occur, evidence of the subsequent measures is not admissible to prove:

(1) Negligence; (2) Culpable conduct; (3) A defect in a product or its design;

or (4) A need for a warning or

instruction.

(b) The military judge may admit this evidence for another purpose, such as impeachment or—if disputed—proving ownership, control, or the feasibility of precautionary measures.

Rule 408. Compromise Offers and Negotiations

(a) Prohibited Uses. Evidence of the following is not admissible—on behalf of any party—either to prove or disprove the validity or amount of a disputed claim or to impeach by a prior

inconsistent statement or a
contradiction:

(1) Furnishing, promising, or offering—or accepting, promising to accept, or offering to accept—a valuable consideration in order to compromise the claim; and (2) Conduct or a statement made during compromise negotiations about the claim—except when the negotiations related to a claim by a public office in the exercise of its regulatory, investigative, or enforcement authority.

(b) Exceptions. The military judge may admit this evidence for another purpose, such as proving witness bias or prejudice, negating a contention of undue delay, or proving an effort to obstruct a criminal investigation or prosecution.

Rule 409. Offers To Pay Medical and Similar Expenses

Evidence of furnishing, promising to pay, or offering to pay medical, hospital, or similar expenses resulting from an injury is not admissible to prove liability for the injury.

Rule 410. Pleas, Plea Discussions, and

Related Statements

(a) Prohibited Uses. Evidence of the following is not admissible against the accused who made the plea or participated in the plea discussions:

(1) A guilty plea that was later withdrawn;

(2) A nolo contendere plea; (3) Any statement made in the course of any judicial inquiry regarding either of the foregoing pleas; or

(4) Any statement made during plea discussions with the convening authority, staff judge advocate, trial

counsel or other counsel for the

Government if the discussions did not result in a guilty plea or they resulted in a later-withdrawn guilty plea.

(b) Exceptions. The military judge may admit a statement described in subdivision (a)(3) or (a)(4):

(1) When another statement made during the same plea or plea discussions has been introduced, if in fairness the statements ought to be considered together; or

(2) In a proceeding for perjury or false statement, if the accused made the statement under oath, on the record, and with counsel present.

(c) Request for Administrative Disposition. A ‘‘statement made during plea discussions’’ includes a statement made by the accused solely for the purpose of requesting disposition under an authorized procedure for administrative action in lieu of trial by court-martial; ‘‘on the record’’ includes the written statement submitted by the accused in furtherance of such request.

Rule 411. Liability Insurance

Evidence that a person was or was not insured against liability is not admissible to prove whether the person acted negligently or otherwise wrongfully. The military judge may admit this evidence for another purpose, such as proving witness bias or prejudice or proving agency, ownership,

or control.

Rule 412. Sex Offense Cases: The Alleged Victim’s Sexual Behavior or Predisposition

(a) Prohibited Uses. The following evidence is not admissible in any proceeding involving an alleged sexual

offense:

(1) Evidence offered to prove that an alleged victim engaged in other sexual behavior; or

(2) Evidence offered to prove an alleged victim’s sexual predisposition.

(b) Exceptions. The military judge may admit the following evidence:

(1) Evidence of specific instances of an alleged victim’s sexual behavior, if offered to prove that a person other than the accused was the source of semen, injury, or other physical evidence;

(2) Evidence of specific instances of an alleged victim’s sexual behavior with respect to the accused, if offered by the accused to prove consent or if offered by the prosecution; and

(3) Evidence the exclusion of which

would violate the accused’s constitutional rights.

(c) Procedure to Determine Admissibility.

(1) Motion. If a party intends to offer evidence under Rule 412(b), the party

must:

(A) File a motion that specifically

describes the evidence and states the purpose for which it is to be offered;

(B) Do so at least 5 days prior to entry of pleas unless the military judge, for good cause, sets a different time;

(C) Serve the motion on all parties;

and

(D) Notify the alleged victim or, when appropriate, the alleged victim’s guardian or representative.

(2) Hearing. Before admitting evidence under this rule, the military judge must conduct a hearing pursuant to Article 39(a) which must be closed to the public and outside the presence of the members. At this hearing, the parties may call witnesses, including the alleged victim, and offer relevant evidence. The alleged victim must be afforded a reasonable opportunity to attend and be heard. Unless the military judge orders otherwise, the motion, related materials, and the record of the hearing must be and remain sealed in

accordance with R.C.M. 1103A.

(3) Privacy. If the military judge

determines that evidence the accused seeks to offer is relevant for a purpose under subdivision (b), the military judge


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must issue an order specifically identifying the evidence that may be

offered and the areas about which the alleged victim may be examined or

cross-examined. Such evidence remains subject to challenge under Mil. R. Evid.

403.

(e) Definitions. As used in this rule: (1) ‘‘Sexual behavior’’ means any sexual behavior not encompassed by the alleged offense.

(2) ‘‘Sexual offense’’ means any sexual misconduct punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice,

federal law or state law.

(3) ‘‘Sexual predisposition’’ means an alleged victim’s mode of dress, speech, or lifestyle, that may have a sexual connotation for the factfinder, but that does not directly relate to sexual activities or thoughts.

Rule 413. Similar Crimes in Sexual

Offense Cases

(a) Permitted Uses. In a court-martial proceeding for a sexual offense, the military judge may admit evidence that the accused committed any other sexual offense. The evidence may be considered on any matter to which it is

relevant.

(b) Disclosure to the Accused. If the prosecution intends to offer this evidence, the prosecution must disclose it to the accused, including any witnesses’ statements or a summary of the expected testimony. The prosecution must do so at least 5 days prior to entry of pleas or at a later time that the military judge allows for good

cause.

(c) Effect on Other Rules. This rule

does not limit the admission or consideration of evidence under any

other rule.

(d) Definition. As used in this rule,

‘‘Sexual Offense’’ means an offense punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or a crime under federal or state law (as ‘‘state’’ is defined in 18 U.S.C. § 513), involving:

(1) Any conduct prohibited by Article

120;

(2) Any conduct prohibited by 18 U.S.C. chapter 109A;

(3) Contact, without consent, between any part of the accused’s body—or an object—and another person’s genitals or

anus;

(4) Contact, without consent, between the accused’s genitals or anus and any part of another person’s body;

(5) Deriving sexual pleasure or gratification from inflicting death, bodily injury, or physical pain on another person; or

(6) An attempt or conspiracy to engage in conduct described in subdivisions (1)–(5). Rule 414. Similar Crimes in ChildMolestation Cases

(a) Permitted Uses. In a court-martial proceeding in which an accused is charged with an act of child molestation, the military judge may

admit evidence that the accused committed any other offense of child molestation. The evidence may be considered on any matter to which it is

relevant.

(b) Disclosure to the Accused. If the prosecution intends to offer this evidence, the prosecution must disclose it to the accused, including witnesses’ statements or a summary of the expected testimony. The prosecution must do so at least 5 days prior to entry of pleas or at a later time that the military judge allows for good cause.

(c) Effect on Other Rules. This rule

does not limit the admission or consideration of evidence under any

other rule.

(d) Definitions. As used in this rule: (1) ‘‘ Child ’’ means a person below the age of 16; and

(2) ‘‘ Child molestation ’’ means an offense punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or a crime under federal law or under state law (as ‘‘state’’ is defined in 18 U.S.C. 513), that

involves:

(A) Any conduct prohibited by Article 120 and committed with a child;

(B) Any conduct prohibited by 18 U.S.C. chapter 109A and committed with a child;

(C) Any conduct prohibited by 18 U.S.C. chapter 110;

(D) Contact between any part of the accused’s body—or an object—and a child’s genitals or anus;

(E) Contact between the accused’s genitals or anus and any part of a child’s body;

(F) Deriving sexual pleasure or gratification from inflicting death, bodily injury, or physical pain on a child; or

(G) An attempt or conspiracy to engage in conduct described in subdivisions (A)–(F).

Rule 501. Privilege in General

(a) A person may not claim a privilege with respect to any matter except as required by or provided for in:

(1) The United States Constitution as applied to members of the armed forces;

(2) A federal statute applicable to trials by courts-martial;

(3) These rules or this Manual; (4) Rules prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority; or

(5) The principles of common law generally recognized in the trial of

criminal cases in the United States district courts under rule 501 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, insofar as the application of such principles in trials by courts-martial is practicable and not contrary to or inconsistent with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, these rules, or this Manual.

(b) A claim of privilege includes, but is not limited to, the assertion by any person of a privilege to:

(1) Refuse to be a witness; (2) Refuse to disclose any matter; (3) Refuse to produce any object or writing; or

(4) Prevent another from being a witness or disclosing any matter or producing any object or writing.

(c) The term ‘‘person’’ includes an appropriate representative of the Federal Government, a State, or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity claiming to be the holder of a privilege.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of these rules, information not otherwise privileged does not become privileged on the basis that it was acquired by a medical officer or civilian physician in a professional capacity.

Rule 502. Lawyer-Client Privilege

(a) General Rule. A client has a privilege to refuse to disclose and to prevent any other person from disclosing confidential communications made for the purpose of facilitating the rendition of professional legal services

to the client:

(1) Between the client or the client’s representative and the lawyer or the lawyer’s representative;

(2) Between the lawyer and the lawyer’s representative;

(3) By the client or the client’s lawyer to a lawyer representing another in a matter of common interest;

(4) Between representatives of the

client or between the client and a representative of the client; or

(5) Between lawyers representing the

client.

(b) Definitions. As used in this rule: (1) ‘‘ Client ’’ means a person, public officer, corporation, association, organization, or other entity, either public or private, who receives professional legal services from a lawyer, or who consults a lawyer with a view to obtaining professional legal services from the lawyer.

(2) ‘‘ Lawyer ’’ means a person authorized, or reasonably believed by the client to be authorized, to practice law; or a member of the armed forces detailed, assigned, or otherwise provided to represent a person in a court-martial case or in any military investigation or proceeding. The term ‘‘lawyer’’ does not include a member of the armed forces serving in a capacity


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other than as a judge advocate, legal officer, or law specialist as defined in Article 1, unless the member:

(A) Is detailed, assigned, or otherwise provided to represent a person in a court-martial case or in any military investigation or proceeding;

(B) Is authorized by the armed forces, or reasonably believed by the client to be authorized, to render professional legal services to members of the armed forces; or

(C) Is authorized to practice law and renders professional legal services during off-duty employment.

(3) ‘‘ Lawyer’s representative ’’ means a person employed by or assigned to assist a lawyer in providing professional legal services.

(4) A communication is

‘‘ confidential ’’ if not intended to be disclosed to third persons other than

those to whom disclosure is in

furtherance of the rendition of professional legal services to the client or those reasonably necessary for the

transmission of the communication.

(c) Who May Claim the Privilege. The privilege may be claimed by the client, the guardian or conservator of the client, the personal representative of a deceased client, or the successor, trustee, or similar representative of a corporation, association, or other organization, whether or not in existence. The lawyer or the lawyer’s representative who received the communication may claim the privilege on behalf of the client. The authority of the lawyer to do so is presumed in the absence of evidence to the contrary.

(d) Exceptions. There is no privilege under this rule under any of the following circumstances:

(1) Crime or Fraud. If the communication clearly contemplated

the future commission of a fraud or crime or if services of the lawyer were sought or obtained to enable or aid anyone to commit or plan to commit what the client knew or reasonably

should have known to be a crime or

fraud.

(2) Claimants through Same Deceased

Client. As to a communication relevant to an issue between parties who claim through the same deceased client, regardless of whether the claims are by testate or intestate succession or by inter

vivos transaction.

(3) Breach of Duty by Lawyer or

Client. As to a communication relevant to an issue of breach of duty by the lawyer to the client or by the client to the lawyer;

(4) Document Attested by the Lawyer.

As to a communication relevant to an issue concerning an attested document to which the lawyer is an attesting
witness; or

(5) Joint Clients. As to a

communication relevant to a matter of

common interest between two or more

clients if the communication was made by any of them to a lawyer retained or consulted in common, when offered in an action between any of the clients.

Rule 503. Communications to Clergy

(a) General Rule. A person has a privilege to refuse to disclose and to prevent another from disclosing a confidential communication by the person to a clergyman or to a clergyman’s assistant, if such

communication is made either as a formal act of religion or as a matter of

conscience.

(b) Definitions. As used in this rule: (1) ‘‘ Clergyman ’’ means a minister, priest, rabbi, chaplain, or other similar functionary of a religious organization, or an individual reasonably believed to be so by the person consulting the clergyman.

(2) ‘‘ Clergyman’s assistant ’’ means a person employed by or assigned to assist a clergyman in his capacity as a spiritual advisor.

(3) A communication is

‘‘ confidential ’’ if made to a clergyman in the clergyman’s capacity as a spiritual adviser or to a clergyman’s assistant in the assistant’s official capacity and is

not intended to be disclosed to third persons other than those to whom

disclosure is in furtherance of the purpose of the communication or to those reasonably necessary for the

transmission of the communication.’’

(c) Who May Claim the Privilege. The privilege may be claimed by the person, by the guardian, or conservator, or by a personal representative if the person is deceased. The clergyman or clergyman’s

assistant who received the communication may claim the privilege on behalf of the person. The authority of the clergyman or clergyman’s assistant to do so is presumed in the absence of evidence to the contrary.

Rule 504. Husband-Wife Privilege

(a) Spousal Incapacity. A person has a privilege to refuse to testify against his or her spouse.

(b) Confidential Communication Made During the Marriage.

(1) General Rule. A person has a privilege during and after the marital relationship to refuse to disclose, and to prevent another from disclosing, any

confidential communication made to the spouse of the person while they

were husband and wife and not separated as provided by law. (2) Definition. As used in this rule, a

communication is ‘‘ confidential ’’ if made privately by any person to the spouse of the person and is not intended to be disclosed to third persons other than those reasonably necessary for

transmission of the communication.

(3) Who May Claim the Privilege. The privilege may be claimed by the spouse who made the communication or by the other spouse on his or her behalf. The authority of the latter spouse to do so is presumed in the absence of evidence of a waiver. The privilege will not prevent

disclosure of the communication at the request of the spouse to whom the communication was made if that spouse is an accused regardless of whether the spouse who made the communication objects to its disclosure.’’

(c) Exceptions. (1) To Spousal Incapacity Only. There is no privilege under subdivision (a) when, at the time the testimony of one of the parties to the marriage is to be introduced in evidence against the other party, the parties are divorced or the marriage has been annulled.

(2) To Spousal Incapacity and

Confidential Communications. There is no privilege under subdivisions (a) or (b):

(A) In proceedings in which one spouse is charged with a crime against the person or property of the other spouse or a child of either, or with a crime against the person or property of a third person committed in the course of committing a crime against the other

spouse;

(B) When the marital relationship was

entered into with no intention of the parties to live together as spouses, but only for the purpose of using the purported marital relationship as a sham, and with respect to the privilege in subdivision (a), the relationship

remains a sham at the time the testimony or statement of one of the parties is to be introduced against the other; or with respect to the privilege in subdivision (b), the relationship was a sham at the time of the communication;

or (C) In proceedings in which a spouse is charged, in accordance with Article 133 or 134, with importing the other spouse as an alien for prostitution or other immoral purpose in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1328; with transporting the other spouse in interstate commerce for immoral purposes or other offense in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2421–2424; or

with violation of such other similar statutes under which such privilege may

not be claimed in the trial of criminal

cases in the United States district

courts.


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(D) Where both parties have been substantial participants in illegal activity, those communications between the spouses during the marriage regarding the illegal activity in which they have jointly participated are not marital communications for purposes of the privilege in subdivision (b), and are not entitled to protection under the privilege in subdivision (b).

(d) Definitions. As used in this rule:
(1) ‘‘ A child of either ’’ means a biological child, adopted child, or ward of one of the spouses and includes a child who is under the permanent or temporary physical custody of one of the spouses, regardless of the existence of a legal parent-child relationship. For purposes of this rule only, a child is:

(A) An individual under the age of 18;

or (B) An individual with a mental handicap who functions under the age

of 18.

(2) ‘‘ Temporary physical custody ’’ means a parent has entrusted his or her

child with another. There is no minimum amount of time necessary to establish temporary physical custody, nor is a written agreement required. Rather, the focus is on the parent’s agreement with another for assuming parental responsibility for the child. For example, temporary physical custody may include instances where a parent

entrusts another with the care of their child for recurring care or during absences due to temporary duty or deployments.

Rule 505. Classified Information

(a) General Rule. Classified information must be protected and is privileged from disclosure if disclosure

would be detrimental to the national security. Under no circumstances may a military judge order the release of classified information to any person not

authorized to receive such information. The Secretary of Defense may prescribe security procedures for protection against the compromise of classified

information submitted to courts-martial and appellate authorities.

(b) Definitions. As used in this rule:
(1) ‘‘ Classified information ’’ means any information or material that has been determined by the United States Government pursuant to an executive order, statute, or regulations, to require protection against unauthorized

disclosure for reasons of national security, and any restricted data, as defined in 42 U.S.C. 2014(y).

(2) ‘‘ National security ’’ means the national defense and foreign relations of

the United States. (3) ‘‘ In camera hearing ’’ means a session under Article 39(a) from which the public is excluded.

(4) ‘‘ In camera review’’ means an inspection of documents or other evidence conducted by the military judge alone in chambers and not on the

record.

(5) ‘‘ Ex parte’’ means a discussion between the military judge and either the defense counsel or prosecution, without the other party or the public present. This discussion can be on or off the record, depending on the circumstances. The military judge will grant a request for an ex parte discussion or hearing only after finding that such discussion or hearing is necessary to protect classified information or other good cause. Prior to granting a request from one party for an ex parte discussion or hearing, the military judge must provide notice to the opposing party on the record. If the ex parte discussion is conducted off the record, the military judge should later state on the record that such ex parte discussion took place and generally summarize the subject matter of the discussion, as appropriate.

(c) Access to Evidence. Any

information admitted into evidence pursuant to any rule, procedure, or order by the military judge must be provided to the accused.

(d) Declassification. Trial counsel should, when practicable, seek declassification of evidence that may be used at trial, consistent with the requirements of national security. A decision not to declassify evidence under this section is not subject to review by a military judge or upon appeal.

(e) Action Prior to Referral of Charges. (1) Prior to referral of charges, upon a showing by the accused that the classified information sought is relevant and necessary to an element of the offense or a legally cognizable defense, the convening authority must respond in writing to a request by the accused for classified information if the privilege

in this rule is claimed for such information. In response to such a request, the convening authority may:

(A) Delete specified items of classified

information from documents made available to the accused;

(B) Substitute a portion or summary of

the information for such classified documents;

(C) Substitute a statement admitting

relevant facts that the classified information would tend to prove;

(D) Provide the document subject to conditions that will guard against the compromise of the information disclosed to the accused; or (E) Withhold disclosure if actions under (1) through (4) cannot be taken without causing identifiable damage to the national security.

(2) An Article 32 investigating officer may not rule on any objection by the

accused to the release of documents or information protected by this rule.

(3) Any objection by the accused to withholding of information or to the

conditions of disclosure must be raised through a motion for appropriate relief at a pretrial conference.

(f) Actions after Referral of Charges. (1) Pretrial Conference. At any time after referral of charges, any party may move for a pretrial conference under Article 39(a) to consider matters relating to classified information that may arise in connection with the trial. Following such a motion, or when the military judge recognizes the need for such conference, the military judge must promptly hold a pretrial conference under Article 39(a).

(2) Ex Parte Permissible. Upon request by either party and with a showing of good cause, the military judge must hold such conference ex parte to the extent necessary to protect classified

information from disclosure.

(3) Matters to be Established at

Pretrial Conference.

(A) Timing of Subsequent Actions. At the pretrial conference, the military judge must establish the timing of:

(i) Requests for discovery; (ii) The provision of notice required by subdivision (i) of this rule; and

(iii) The initiation of the procedure established by subdivision (j) of this

rule.

(B) Other Matters. At the pretrial conference, the military judge may also consider any matter which relates to classified information or which may promote a fair and expeditious trial.

(4) Convening Authority Notice and Action. If a claim of privilege has been made under this rule with respect to classified information that apparently

contains evidence that is relevant and necessary to an element of the offense or a legally cognizable defense and is

otherwise admissible in evidence in the court-martial proceeding, the matter will be reported to the convening authority. The convening authority may:

(A) Institute action to obtain the classified information for the use by the military judge in making a determination under subdivision (j);

(B) Dismiss the charges; (C) Dismiss the charges or specifications or both to which the information relates; or

(D) Take such other action as may be required in the interests of justice.

(5) Remedies. If, after a reasonable period of time, the information is not


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provided to the military judge in circumstances where proceeding with

the case without such information would materially prejudice a substantial right of the accused, the military judge must dismiss the charges or specifications or both to which the

classified information relates.

(g) Protective Orders. Upon motion of the trial counsel, the military judge must issue an order to protect against the disclosure of any classified information that has been disclosed by the United States to any accused in any court-martial proceeding or that has otherwise been provided to, or obtainedby, any such accused in any such courtmartial proceeding. The terms of any such protective order may include, but are not limited to, provisions:

(1) Prohibiting the disclosure of the information except as authorized by the military judge;

(2) Requiring storage of material in a manner appropriate for the level of classification assigned to the documents to be disclosed;

(3) Requiring controlled access to the material during normal business hours and at other times upon reasonable
notice;

(4) Mandating that all persons requiring security clearances will cooperate with investigatory personnel in any investigations which are necessary to obtain a security clearance;

(5) Requiring the maintenance of logs regarding access by all persons authorized by the military judge to have

access to the classified information in connection with the preparation of the defense;

(6) Regulating the making and handling of notes taken from material containing classified information; or

(7) Requesting the convening authority to authorize the assignment of government security personnel and the provision of government storage

facilities.

(h) Discovery and Access by the

Accused.

(1) Limitations. (A) Government Claim of Privilege. In court-martial proceeding in which the government seeks to delete, withhold, or

otherwise obtain other relief with respect to the discovery of or access to any classified information, the trial

counsel must submit a declaration invoking the United States’ classified information privilege and setting forth the damage to the national security that the discovery of or access to such information reasonably could be expected to cause. The declaration must be signed by the head, or designee, of the executive or military department or government agency concerned. (B) Standard for Discovery or Access by the Accused. Upon the submission of

a declaration under subdivision (h)(1)(A), the military judge may not authorize the discovery of or access to

such classified information unless the military judge determines that such

classified information would be noncumulative and relevant to a legally cognizable defense, rebuttal of the prosecution’s case, or to sentencing. If the discovery of or access to such classified information is authorized, it

must be addressed in accordance with the requirements of subdivision (h)(2).

(2) Alternatives to Full Discovery. (A) Substitutions and Other Alternatives. The military judge, in assessing the accused’s right to discover

or access classified information under this subdivision, may authorize the

Government:

(i) To delete or withhold specified items of classified information;

(ii) To substitute a summary for classified information; or

(iii) To substitute a statement admitting relevant facts that the

classified information or material would tend to prove, unless the military judge

determines that disclosure of the classified information itself is necessary to enable the accused to prepare for

trial.

(B) In Camera Review. The military judge must, upon the request of the prosecution, conduct an in camera review of the prosecution’s motion and any materials submitted in support

thereof and must not disclose such

information to the accused.

(C) Action by Military Judge. The military judge must grant the request of

the trial counsel to substitute a summary or to substitute a statement admitting relevant facts, or to provide

other relief in accordance with subdivision (h)(2)(A), if the military judge finds that the summary, statement, or other relief would provide the accused with substantially the same ability to make a defense as would discovery of or access to the specific

classified information.

(3) Reconsideration. An order of a military judge authorizing a request of the trial counsel to substitute, summarize, withhold, or prevent access

to classified information under this subdivision (h) is not subject to a motion for reconsideration by the accused, if such order was entered pursuant to an ex parte showing under

this subdivision.

(i) Disclosure by the Accused. (1) Notification to Trial Counsel and Military Judge. If an accused reasonably expects to disclose, or to cause the disclosure of, classified information in any manner in connection with any trial or pretrial proceeding involving the prosecution of such accused, the accused must, within the time specified by the military judge or, where no time is specified, prior to arraignment of the accused, notify the trial counsel and the military judge in writing.

(2) Content of Notice. Such notice must include a brief description of the

classified information.

(3) Ex Parte Proffer. At the request of the defense counsel, the military judge may allow defense counsel to make an ex parte proffer of the classified information to the military judge so that the military judge can determine the relevance of the information for use by

the accused.

(4) Continuing Duty to Notify.

Whenever the accused learns of

additional classified information the accused reasonably expects to disclose, or to cause the disclosure of, at any such proceeding, the accused must notify trial counsel and the military judge in writing as soon as possible thereafter and must include a brief description of

the classified information.

(5) Limitation on Disclosure by Accused. The accused may not disclose, or cause the disclosure of, any

information known or believed to be

classified in connection with a trial or pretrial proceeding until:

(A) Notice has been given under this subdivision (i); and

(B) The Government has been afforded a reasonable opportunity to seek a determination pursuant to the procedure set forth in subdivision (j).

(6) Failure To comply. If the accused fails to comply with the requirements of this subdivision, the military judge:

(A) May preclude disclosure of any

classified information not made the subject of notification; and

(B) may prohibit the examination by the accused of any witness with respect to any such information.

(j) Procedure for Use of Classified

Information in Trials and Pretrial Proceedings.

(1) Hearing on Use of Classified

Information.

(A) Motion for Hearing. Within the time specified by the military judge for the filing of a motion under this rule, either party may move for a hearing concerning the use at any proceeding of any classified information. Upon a request by either party, the military judge must conduct such a hearing and must rule prior to conducting any further proceedings.

(B) Request for In Camera Hearing. Any hearing held pursuant to this subdivision (or any portion of such hearing specified in the request of a


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knowledgeable United States official)

must be held in camera if a knowledgeable United States official possessing authority to classify information submits to the military judge a declaration that a public proceeding may result in the disclosure

of classified information.

(C) Notice to Accused. Before the hearing, trial counsel must provide the

accused with notice of the classified

information that is at issue. Such notice must identify the specific classified

information at issue whenever that information previously has been made available to the accused by the United

States. When the United States has not previously made the information

available to the accused in connection with the case the information may be described by generic category, in such forms as the military judge may approve, rather than by identification of the specific information of concern to

the United States.

(D) Standard for Disclosure. Classified information is not subject to disclosure

under this subdivision unless the information is relevant and necessary to an element of the offense or a legally cognizable defense and is otherwise

admissible in evidence. In presentencing proceedings, relevant and

material classified information pertaining to the appropriateness of, or the appropriate degree of, punishment must be admitted only if no unclassified

version of such information is available.

(E) Written Findings. As to each item of classified information, the military judge must set forth in writing the basis

for the determination.

(2) Alternatives to Full Disclosure. (A) Motion by the Prosecution. Upon any determination by the military judge authorizing the disclosure of specific

classified information under the procedures established by this subdivision (j), the trial counsel may move that, in lieu of the disclosure of such specific classified information, the military judge order:

(i) The substitution for such classified information of a statement admitting relevant facts that the specific classified information would tend to prove;

(ii) The substitution for such classified information of a summary of the specific classified information; or

(iii) Any other procedure or redaction limiting the disclosure of specific

classified information.

(B) Declaration of Damage to National Security. The trial counsel may, in

connection with a motion under this subdivision (j), submit to the military judge a declaration signed by the head, or designee, of the executive or military department or government agency concerned certifying that disclosure of

classified information would cause identifiable damage to the national security of the United States and explaining the basis for the

classification of such information. If so requested by the trial counsel, the military judge must examine such declaration during an in camera review.

(C) Hearing. The military judge must hold a hearing on any motion under this subdivision. Any such hearing must be held in camera at the request of a knowledgeable United States official possessing authority to classify

information.

(D) Standard for Use of Alternatives. The military judge must grant such a

motion of the trial counsel if the military judge finds that the statement, summary, or other procedure or redaction will provide the accused with substantially the same ability to make

his or her defense as would disclosure of the specific classified information.

(3) Sealing of Records of In Camera Hearings. If at the close of an in camera hearing under this subdivision (or any portion of a hearing under this subdivision that is held in camera), the military judge determines that the classified information at issue may not

be disclosed or elicited at the trial or pretrial proceeding, the record of such in camera hearing must be sealed in

accordance with R.C.M. 1103A and preserved for use in the event of an appeal. The accused may seek reconsideration of the military judge’s determination prior to or during trial.

(4) Remedies. If the military judge

determines that alternatives to full disclosure may not be used and the prosecution continues to object to disclosure of the information, the military judge must issue any order that the interests of justice require, including but not limited to, an order:

(A) Striking or precluding all or part of the testimony of a witness;

(B) Declaring a mistrial; (C) Finding against the Government on any issue as to which the evidence is relevant and material to the defense;

(D) Dismissing the charges, with or without prejudice; or

(E) Dismissing the charges or specifications or both to which the

information relates.

The Government may avoid the sanction for nondisclosure by permitting the accused to disclose theinformation at the pertinent courtmartial proceeding.

(5) Disclosure of Rebuttal Information. Whenever the military judge determines that classified information may be

disclosed in connection with a trial or pretrial proceeding, the military judge must, unless the interests of fairness do not so require, order the prosecution to provide the accused with the information it expects to use to rebut the

classified information.

(A) Continuing Duty. The military judge may place the prosecution under a continuing duty to disclose such

rebuttal information.

(B) Sanction for Failure to Comply. If the prosecution fails to comply with its obligation under this subdivision, the military judge:

(i) May exclude any evidence not made the subject of a required disclosure; and

(ii) May prohibit the examination by the prosecution of any witness with respect to such information.

(6) Disclosure at Trial of Previous Statements by a Witness.

(A) Motion for Production of

Statements in Possession of the Prosecution. After a witness called by

the trial counsel has testified on direct examination, the military judge, on motion of the accused, may order production of statements of the witness in the possession of the Prosecution which relate to the subject matter as to

which the witness has testified. This paragraph does not preclude discovery or assertion of a privilege otherwise

authorized.

(B) Invocation of Privilege by the

Government. If the Government invokes a privilege, the trial counsel may provide the prior statements of the witness to the military judge for in camera review to the extent necessary to protect classified information from

disclosure.

(C) Action by Military Judge. If the military judge finds that disclosure of any portion of the statement identified by the Government as classified would be detrimental to the national security in the degree required to warrant classification under the applicable Executive Order, statute, or regulation, that such portion of the statement is consistent with the testimony of the witness, and that the disclosure of such portion is not necessary to afford the accused a fair trial, the military judge must excise that portion from the statement. If the military judge finds that such portion of the statement is inconsistent with the testimony of the

witness or that its disclosure is necessary to afford the accused a fair trial, the military judge must, upon the request of the trial counsel, consider

alternatives to disclosure in accordance with this subdivision (j)(2).

(k) Introduction into Evidence of

Classified Information.

(1) Preservation of Classification Status. Writings, recordings, and


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photographs containing classified information may be admitted into evidence in court-martial proceedings under this rule without change in their

classification status.

(A) Precautions. The military judge in a trial by court-martial, in order to prevent unnecessary disclosure of classified information, may order admission into evidence of only part of a writing, recording, or photograph, or may order admission into evidence of the whole writing, recording, or photograph with excision of some or all

of the classified information contained therein, unless the whole ought in

fairness be considered.

(B) Classified Information Kept Under Seal. The military judge must allow

classified information offered or accepted into evidence to remain under seal during the trial, even if such

evidence is disclosed in the courtmartial proceeding, and may, upon motion by the Government, seal exhibits containing classified information in accordance with R.C.M. 1103A for any period after trial as necessary to prevent

a disclosure of classified information when a knowledgeable United States official possessing authority to classify information submits to the military judge a declaration setting forth the damage to the national security that the

disclosure of such information reasonably could be expected to cause.

(2) Testimony. (A) Objection by Trial Counsel. During the examination of a witness, trial counsel may object to any question or line of inquiry that may require the

witness to disclose classified information not previously found to be

admissible.

(B) Action by Military Judge. Following an objection under this subdivision (k), the military judge must

take such suitable action to determine whether the response is admissible as will safeguard against the compromise of any classified information. Such action may include requiring trial counsel to provide the military judge with a proffer of the witness’s response to the question or line of inquiry and requiring the accused to provide the military judge with a proffer of the nature of the information sought to be elicited by the accused. Upon request, the military judge may accept an ex parte proffer by trial counsel to the extent necessary to protect classified

information from disclosure.

(3) Closed session. The military judge may, subject to the requirements of the United States Constitution, exclude the public during that portion of the presentation of evidence that discloses

classified information. (l) Record of Trial. If under this rule any information is withheld from the accused, the accused objects to such withholding, and the trial is continued to an adjudication of guilt of the accused, the entire unaltered text of the

relevant documents as well as the prosecution’s motion and any materials submitted in support thereof must be

sealed in accordance with R.C.M. 1103A

and attached to the record of trial as an appellate exhibit. Such material must be made available to reviewing authorities in closed proceedings for the purpose of reviewing the determination of the military judge. The record of trial with respect to any classified matter will be prepared under R.C.M. 1103(h) and 1104(b)(1)(D).

Rule 506. Government Information

Other Than Classified Information

(a) Protection of Government Information. Except where disclosure is required by a federal statute, government information is privileged

from disclosure if disclosure would be detrimental to the public interest.

(b) Scope. ‘‘ Government information’’

includes official communication and

documents and other information within the custody or control of the

Federal Government. This rule does not apply to classified information (Mil. R. Evid. 505) or to the identity of an informant (Mil. R. Evid. 507).

(c) Definitions. As used in this rule: (1) ‘‘ In camera hearing’’ means a session under Article 39(a) from which the public is excluded.

(2) ‘‘ In camera review’’ means an inspection of documents or other evidence conducted by the military judge alone in chambers and not on the

record.

(3) ‘‘ Ex parte’’ means a discussion between the military judge and either the defense counsel or prosecution, without the other party or the public present. This discussion can be on or off the record, depending on the circumstances. The military judge will grant a request for an ex parte discussion or hearing only after finding that such discussion or hearing is
necessary to protect government information or other good cause. Prior to granting a request from one party for an ex parte discussion or hearing, the military judge must provide notice to the opposing party on the record. If the ex parte discussion is conducted off the record, the military judge should later state on the record that such ex parte discussion took place and generally summarize the subject matter of the discussion, as appropriate.

(d) Who May Claim the Privilege. The privilege may be claimed by the head, or designee, of the executive or military department or government agency concerned. The privilege for records and information of the Inspector General may be claimed by the immediate superior of the inspector general officer responsible for creation of the records or information, the Inspector General, or any other superior authority. A person who may claim the privilege may

authorize a witness or the trial counsel to claim the privilege on his or her behalf. The authority of a witness or the trial counsel to do so is presumed in the absence of evidence to the contrary.

(e) Action Prior to Referral of Charges. (1) Prior to referral of charges, upon a showing by the accused that the government information sought is relevant and necessary to an element of the offense or a legally cognizable defense, the convening authority must respond in writing to a request by the accused for government information if the privilege in this rule is claimed for such information. In response to such a request, the convening authority may:

(A) Delete specified items of government information claimed to be privileged from documents made available to the accused;

(B) Substitute a portion or summary of the information for such documents;

(C) Substitute a statement admitting relevant facts that the government information would tend to prove;

(D) Provide the document subject to

conditions similar to those set forth in subdivision (g) of this rule; or

(E) Withhold disclosure if actions under (1) through (4) cannot be taken without causing identifiable damage to the public interest.

(2) Any objection by the accused to withholding of information or to the

conditions of disclosure must be raised through a motion for appropriate relief at a pretrial conference.

(f) Action After Referral of Charges. (1) Pretrial Conference. At any time after referral of charges, any party may move for a pretrial conference under Article 39(a) to consider matters relating to government information that may

arise in connection with the trial. Following such a motion, or when the military judge recognizes the need for such conference, the military judge must promptly hold a pretrial conference under Article 39(a).

(2) Ex Parte Permissible. Upon request by either party and with a showing of good cause, the military judge must hold such conference ex parte to the
extent necessary to protect government information from disclosure.

(3) Matters to be Established at

Pretrial Conference.


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(A) Timing of Subsequent Actions. At the pretrial conference, the military judge must establish the timing of:

(i) Requests for discovery; (ii) The provision of notice required by subdivision (i) of this rule; and

(iii) The initiation of the procedure established by subdivision (j) of this

rule.

(B) Other Matters. At the pretrial conference, the military judge may also consider any matter which relates to government information or which may promote a fair and expeditious trial.

(4) Convening Authority Notice and Action. If a claim of privilege has been made under this rule with respect to government information that apparently

contains evidence that is relevant and necessary to an element of the offense or a legally cognizable defense and is

otherwise admissible in evidence in the court-martial proceeding, the matter must be reported to the convening authority. The convening authority may:

(A) Institute action to obtain the information for use by the military judge in making a determination under subdivision (j);

(B) Dismiss the charges; (C) Dismiss the charges or specifications or both to which the information relates; or

(D) Take such other action as may be required in the interests of justice.

(5) Remedies. If after a reasonable period of time the information is not provided to the military judge in circumstances where proceeding with

the case without such information would materially prejudice a substantial right of the accused, the military judge must dismiss the charges or specifications or both to which the

information relates.

(g) Protective Orders. Upon motion of the trial counsel, the military judge must issue an order to protect against the disclosure of any government information that has been disclosed by the United States to any accused in any court-martial proceeding or that has otherwise been provided to, or obtainedby, any such accused in any such courtmartial proceeding. The terms of any such protective order may include, but are not limited to, provisions:

(1) Prohibiting the disclosure of the information except as authorized by the military judge;

(2) Requiring storage of the material in a manner appropriate for the nature of the material to be disclosed;

(3) Requiring controlled access to the material during normal business hours and at other times upon reasonable
notice;

(4) Requiring the maintenance of logs recording access by persons authorized by the military judge to have access to the government information in connection with the preparation of the defense;

(5) Regulating the making and handling of notes taken from material containing government information; or

(6) Requesting the convening authority to authorize the assignment of government security personnel and the provision of government storage

facilities.

(h) Discovery and Access by the

Accused.

(1) Limitations. (A) Government Claim of Privilege. In court-martial proceeding in which the government seeks to delete, withhold, or

otherwise obtain other relief with respect to the discovery of or access to any government information subject to a claim of privilege, the trial counsel must submit a declaration invoking the United States’ government information privilege and setting forth the detriment to the public interest that the discovery

of or access to such information reasonably could be expected to cause. The declaration must be signed by a knowledgeable United States official as described in subdivision (d) of this rule.

(B) Standard for Discovery or Access by the Accused. Upon the submission of

a declaration under subdivision (h)(1)(A), the military judge may not authorize the discovery of or access to such government information unless the military judge determines that such government information would be noncumulative, relevant, and helpful to a legally cognizable defense, rebuttal of the prosecution’s case, or to sentencing. If the discovery of or access to such government information is authorized, it

must be addressed in accordance with the requirements of subdivision (h)(2).

(2) Alternatives to Full Disclosure. (A) Substitutions and Other Alternatives. The military judge, in assessing the accused’s right to discover or access government information under this subdivision, may authorize the

Government:

(i) To delete or withhold specified items of government information;

(ii) To substitute a summary for government information; or

(iii) To substitute a statement admitting relevant facts that the government information or material would tend to prove, unless the military judge determines that disclosure of the government information itself is necessary to enable the accused to prepare for trial.

(B) In Camera Review. The military judge must, upon the request of the prosecution, conduct an in camera review of the prosecution’s motion and any materials submitted in support

thereof and must not disclose such

information to the accused.

(C) Action by Military Judge. The military judge must grant the request of

the trial counsel to substitute a summary or to substitute a statement admitting relevant facts, or to provide

other relief in accordance with subdivision (h)(2)(A), if the military judge finds that the summary, statement, or other relief would provide the accused with substantially the same ability to make a defense as would discovery of or access to the specific government information.

(i) Disclosure by the Accused.
(1) Notification to Trial Counsel and Military Judge. If an accused reasonably expects to disclose, or to cause the disclosure of, government information subject to a claim of privilege in any manner in connection with any trial or pretrial proceeding involving the prosecution of such accused, the accused must, within the time specified by the military judge or, where no time is specified, prior to arraignment of the accused, notify the trial counsel and the military judge in writing.

(2) Content of Notice. Such notice must include a brief description of the government information.

(3) Ex Parte Review. At the request of the defense counsel, the military judge may allow defense counsel to make an ex parte proffer of the government information to the military judge so that the military judge can determine the relevance of the information for use by

the accused.

(4) Continuing Duty to Notify.

Whenever the accused learns of additional government information the accused reasonably expects to disclose, or to cause the disclosure of, at any such proceeding, the accused must notify trial counsel and the military judge in writing as soon as possible thereafter and must include a brief description of the government information.

(5) Limitation on Disclosure by Accused. The accused may not disclose, or cause the disclosure of, any

information known or believed to be subject to a claim of privilege in connection with a trial or pretrial proceeding until:

(A) Notice has been given under this subdivision (i); and

(B) The Government has been afforded a reasonable opportunity to seek a determination pursuant to the procedure set forth in subdivision (j).

(6) Failure to Comply. If the accused fails to comply with the requirements of this subdivision, the military judge:


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(A) May preclude disclosure of any government information not made the subject of notification; and

(B) May prohibit the examination by the accused of any witness with respect to any such information.

(j) Procedure for Use of Government Information Subject to a Claim of Privilege in Trials and Pretrial Proceedings.

(1) Hearing on Use of Government

Information.

(A) Motion for Hearing. Within the time specified by the military judge for the filing of a motion under this rule, either party may move for an in camera hearing concerning the use at any proceeding of any government information that may be subject to a claim of privilege. Upon a request by either party, the military judge must conduct such a hearing and must rule prior to conducting any further proceedings.

(B) Request for In Camera Hearing. Any hearing held pursuant to this

subdivision must be held in camera if a knowledgeable United States official described in subdivision (d) of this rule submits to the military judge a

declaration that disclosure of the information reasonably could be expected to cause identifiable damage to the public interest.

(C) Notice to Accused. Subject to subdivision (j)(2) below, the prosecution must disclose government information claimed to be privileged under this rule for the limited purpose of litigating, in camera, the admissibility of the information at trial. The military judge must enter an appropriate protective
order to the accused and all other appropriate trial participants concerning

the disclosure of the information according to subdivision (g), above. The accused may not disclose any information provided under this subdivision unless, and until, such

information has been admitted into evidence by the military judge. In the in camera hearing, both parties may have the opportunity to brief and argue the admissibility of the government

information at trial.

(D) Standard for Disclosure. Government information is subject to

disclosure at the court-martial proceeding under this subdivision if the party making the request demonstrates a specific need for information containing evidence that is relevant to the guilt or innocence or to punishment of the accused, and is otherwise admissible in the court-martial proceeding.

(E) Written Findings. As to each item of government information, the military judge must set forth in writing the basis

for the determination. (2) Alternatives to Full Disclosure. (A) Motion by the Prosecution. Upon any determination by the military judge authorizing disclosure of specific government information under the procedures established by this subdivision (j), the prosecution may move that, in lieu of the disclosure of such information, the military judge

order:

(i) The substitution for such government information of a statement admitting relevant facts that the specific government information would tend to

prove;

(ii) The substitution for such government information of a summary of the specific government information;

or (iii) Any other procedure or redaction limiting the disclosure of specific government information.

(B) Hearing. The military judge must hold a hearing on any motion under this subdivision. At the request of the trial counsel, the military judge will conduct an in camera hearing.

(C) Standard for Use of Alternatives. The military judge must grant such a

motion of the trial counsel if the military judge finds that the statement, summary, or other procedure or redaction will provide the accused with substantially the same ability to make

his or her defense as would disclosure of the specific government information.

(3) Sealing of Records of In Camera Hearings. If at the close of an in camera hearing under this subdivision (or any portion of a hearing under this subdivision that is held in camera), the military judge determines that the government information at issue may

not be disclosed or elicited at the trial or pretrial proceeding, the record of such in camera hearing must be sealed

in accordance with R.C.M. 1103A and preserved for use in the event of an appeal. The accused may seek reconsideration of the military judge’s determination prior to or during trial.

(4) Remedies. If the military judge

determines that alternatives to full disclosure may not be used and the prosecution continues to object to disclosure of the information, the military judge must issue any order that the interests of justice require, including but not limited to, an order:

(A) Striking or precluding all or part of the testimony of a witness;

(B) Declaring a mistrial; (C) Finding against the Government on any issue as to which the evidence is relevant and necessary to the defense;

(D) Dismissing the charges, with or without prejudice; or (E) Dismissing the charges or specifications or both to which the

information relates. The Government may avoid the sanction for nondisclosure by permitting the

accused to disclose the information at the pertinent court-martial proceeding.

(5) Disclosure of Rebuttal Information. Whenever the military judge determines that government information may be

disclosed in connection with a trial or pretrial proceeding, the military judge must, unless the interests of fairness do not so require, order the prosecution to provide the accused with the information it expects to use to rebut the government information.

(A) Continuing Duty. The military judge may place the prosecution under a continuing duty to disclose such

rebuttal information.

(B) Sanction for Failure to Comply. If the prosecution fails to comply with its obligation under this subdivision, the military judge may make such ruling as the interests of justice require, to

include:

(i) Excluding any evidence not made the subject of a required disclosure; and

(ii) Prohibiting the examination by the prosecution of any witness with respect

to such information.

(k) Appeals of Orders and Rulings. In a court-martial in which a punitive discharge may be adjudged, the Government may appeal an order or ruling of the military judge that terminates the proceedings with respect to a charge or specification, directs the disclosure of government information, or imposes sanctions for nondisclosure of government information. The Government may also appeal an order or ruling in which the military judge refuses to issue a protective order sought by the United States to prevent the disclosure of government information, or to enforce such an order previously issued by appropriate authority. The Government may not appeal an order or ruling that is, or amounts to, a finding of not guilty with respect to the charge or specification.

(l) Introduction into Evidence of Government Information Subject to a Claim of Privilege.

(1) Precautions. The military judge in a trial by court-martial, in order to prevent unnecessary disclosure of government information after there has been a claim of privilege under this rule, may order admission into evidence of only part of a writing, recording, or photograph or admit into evidence the whole writing, recording, or photograph

with excision of some or all of the government information contained therein, unless the whole ought in

fairness be considered.


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(2) Government Information Kept Under Seal. The military judge must allow government information offered or accepted into evidence to remain under seal during the trial, even if such

evidence is disclosed in the courtmartial proceeding, and may, upon motion by the prosecution, seal exhibits containing government information in accordance with R.C.M. 1103A for any period after trial as necessary to prevent a disclosure of government information when a knowledgeable United States official described in subdivision (d) submits to the military judge a declaration setting forth the detriment to the public interest that the disclosure of such information reasonably could be expected to cause.

(3) Testimony. (A) Objection by Trial Counsel. During examination of a witness, trial counsel may object to any question or line of inquiry that may require the witness to disclose government information not previously found

admissible if such information has been or is reasonably likely to be the subject of a claim of privilege under this rule.

(B) Action by Military Judge. Following such an objection, the military judge must take such suitable

action to determine whether the response is admissible as will safeguard against the compromise of any government information. Such action may include requiring trial counsel to provide the military judge with a proffer of the witness’s response to the question or line of inquiry and requiring the accused to provide the military judge with a proffer of the nature of the information sought to be elicited by the accused. Upon request, the military judge may accept an ex parte proffer by trial counsel to the extent necessary to protect government information from

disclosure.

(m) Record of Trial. If under this rule any information is withheld from the accused, the accused objects to such withholding, and the trial is continued to an adjudication of guilt of the accused, the entire unaltered text of the

relevant documents as well as the prosecution’s motion and any materials submitted in support thereof must be

sealed in accordance with R.C.M. 1103A

and attached to the record of trial as an appellate exhibit. Such material must be made available to reviewing authorities in closed proceedings for the purpose of reviewing the determination of the military judge.

Rule 507. Identity of Informants

(a) General Rule. The United States or

a State or subdivision thereof has a privilege to refuse to disclose the identity of an informant. Unless otherwise privileged under these rules,

the communications of an informant are not privileged except to the extent necessary to prevent the disclosure of the informant’s identity.

(b) Definitions. As used in this rule: (1) ‘‘Informant’’ means a person who has furnished information relating to or assisting in an investigation of a possible violation of law to a person

whose official duties include the discovery, investigation, or prosecution

of crime.

(2) ‘‘In camera review’’ means an inspection of documents or other evidence conducted by the military judge alone in chambers and not on the

record.

(c) Who May Claim the Privilege. The privilege may be claimed by an appropriate representative of the United States, regardless of whether

information was furnished to an officer

of the United States or a State or subdivision thereof. The privilege may be claimed by an appropriate representative of a State or subdivision

if the information was furnished to an officer thereof, except the privilege will not be allowed if the prosecution objects.

(d) Exceptions. (1) Voluntary Disclosures; Informant as a Prosecution Witness. No privilege

exists under this rule:

(A) If the identity of the informant has

been disclosed to those who would have cause to resent the communication by a holder of the privilege or by the informant’s own action; or

(B) If the informant appears as a witness for the prosecution.

(2) Informant as a Defense Witness. If a claim of privilege has been made under this rule, the military judge must, upon motion by the accused, determine whether disclosure of the identity of the informant is necessary to the accused’s defense on the issue of guilt or innocence. Whether such a necessity exists will depend on the particular circumstances of each case, taking into consideration the offense charged, the possible defense, the possible significance of the informant’s testimony, and other relevant factors. If it appears from the evidence in the case or from other showing by a party that an informant may be able to give testimony necessary to the accused’s defense on the issue of guilt or innocence, the military judge may make any order required by the interests of justice.

(3) Informant as a Witness regarding a Motion to Suppress Evidence. If a claim of privilege has been made under this rule with respect to a motion under Mil. R. Evid. 311, the military judge must, upon motion of the accused,

determine whether disclosure of the identity of the informant is required by

the United States Constitution as applied to members of the armed forces. In making this determination, the military judge may make any order required by the interests of justice.

(e) Procedures. (1) In Camera Review. If the accused

has articulated a basis for disclosure

under the standards set forth in this rule, the prosecution may ask the military judge to conduct an in camera

review of affidavits or other evidence

relevant to disclosure.

(2) Order by the Military Judge. If a claim of privilege has been made under this rule, the military judge may make any order required by the interests of justice.

(3) Action by the Convening Authority. If the military judge

determines that disclosure of the identity of the informant is required

under the standards set forth in this rule, and the prosecution elects not to disclose the identity of the informant, the matter must be reported to the convening authority. The convening authority may institute action to secure disclosure of the identity of the informant, terminate the proceedings, or take such other action as may be appropriate under the circumstances.

(4) Remedies. If, after a reasonable period of time disclosure is not made, the military judge, sua sponte or upon

motion of either counsel and after a hearing if requested by either party, may dismiss the charge or specifications or both to which the information regarding

the informant would relate if the military judge determines that further proceedings would materially prejudice a substantial right of the accused.

Rule 508. Political Vote

A person has a privilege to refuse to disclose the tenor of the person’s vote at a political election conducted by secret ballot unless the vote was cast illegally.

Rule 509. Deliberations of Courts and Juries

Except as provided in Mil. R. Evid.606, the deliberations of courts, courtsmartial, military judges, and grand and petit juries are privileged to the extent that such matters are privileged in trial

of criminal cases in the United States district courts, but the results of the deliberations are not privileged.

Rule 510. Waiver of Privilege by Voluntary Disclosure

(a) A person upon whom these rules confer a privilege against disclosure of

a confidential matter or communication


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waives the privilege if the person or the person’s predecessor while holder of the privilege voluntarily discloses or consents to disclosure of any significant part of the matter or communication

under such circumstances that it would be inappropriate to allow the claim of privilege. This rule does not apply if the disclosure is itself a privileged

communication.

(b) Unless testifying voluntarily concerning a privileged matter or communication, an accused who

testifies in his or her own behalf or a person who testifies under a grant or promise of immunity does not, merely by reason of testifying, waive a privilege to which he or she may be entitled pertaining to the confidential matter or

communication.

Rule 511. Privileged Matter Disclosed Under Compulsion or Without Opportunity To Claim Privilege

(a) General Rule. Evidence of a

statement or other disclosure of privileged matter is not admissible against the holder of the privilege if disclosure was compelled erroneously or was made without an opportunity for the holder of the privilege to claim the privilege.

(b) Use of Communications Media. The telephonic transmission of information otherwise privileged under these rules does not affect its privileged

character. Use of electronic means of

communication other than the telephone for transmission of information otherwise privileged under these rules does not affect the privileged

character of such information if use of

such means of communication is necessary and in furtherance of the

communication.

Rule 512. Comment Upon or Inference From Claim of Privilege; Instruction

(a) Comment or Inference Not

Permitted.

(1) The claim of a privilege by the accused whether in the present proceeding or upon a prior occasion is not a proper subject of comment by the military judge or counsel for any party. No inference may be drawn therefrom.

(2) The claim of a privilege by a person other than the accused whether in the present proceeding or upon a prior occasion normally is not a proper subject of comment by the military judge or counsel for any party. An adverse inference may not be drawn therefrom except when determined by the military judge to be required by the interests of justice.

(b) Claiming a Privilege Without the Knowledge of the Members. In a trial before a court-martial with members, proceedings must be conducted, to the extent practicable, so as to facilitate the making of claims of privilege without the knowledge of the members. This subdivision (b) does not apply to a special court-martial without a military judge.

(c) Instruction. Upon request, any party against whom the members might

draw an adverse inference from a claim of privilege is entitled to an instruction that no inference may be drawn therefrom except as provided in subdivision (a)(2).

Rule 513. Psychotherapist—Patient Privilege

(a) General Rule. A patient has a privilege to refuse to disclose and to prevent any other person from disclosing a confidential

communication made between the patient and a psychotherapist or an assistant to the psychotherapist, in a case arising under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, if such communication was made for the purpose of facilitating diagnosis or treatment of the patient’s

mental or emotional condition.

(b) Definitions. As used in this rule: (1) ‘‘Patient’’ means a person who

consults with or is examined or interviewed by a psychotherapist for purposes of advice, diagnosis, or

treatment of a mental or emotional

condition.

(2) ‘‘Psychotherapist’’ means a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or

clinical social worker who is licensed in any state, territory, possession, the

District of Columbia or Puerto Rico to perform professional services as such, or who holds credentials to provide such services from any military health care facility, or is a person reasonably believed by the patient to have such

license or credentials.

(3) ‘‘Assistant to a psychotherapist’’ means a person directed by or assigned to assist a psychotherapist in providing professional services, or is reasonably believed by the patient to be such.

(4) A communication is ‘‘confidential’’ if not intended to be disclosed to third persons other than

those to whom disclosure is in

furtherance of the rendition of professional services to the patient or those reasonably necessary for such

transmission of the communication.

(5) ‘‘Evidence of a patient’s records or

communications’’ means testimony of a psychotherapist, or assistant to the same, or patient records that pertain to communications by a patient to a psychotherapist, or assistant to the same for the purposes of diagnosis or treatment of the patient’s mental or

emotional condition. (c) Who May Claim the Privilege. The privilege may be claimed by the patient or the guardian or conservator of the patient. A person who may claim the privilege may authorize trial counsel or defense counsel to claim the privilege

on his or her behalf. The psychotherapist or assistant to the psychotherapist who received the communication may claim the privilege on behalf of the patient. The authority of such a psychotherapist, assistant, guardian, or conservator to so assert the privilege is presumed in the absence of evidence to the contrary.

(d) Exceptions. There is no privilege

under this rule:

(1) When the patient is dead; (2) When the communication is evidence of child abuse or neglect, or in a proceeding in which one spouse is charged with a crime against the child of either spouse;

(3) When federal law, state law, or service regulation imposes a duty to report information contained in a
communication;

(4) When a psychotherapist or assistant to a psychotherapist believes that a patient’s mental or emotional condition makes the patient a danger to any person, including the patient;

(5) If the communication clearly contemplated the future commission of

a fraud or crime or if the services of the psychotherapist are sought or obtained to enable or aid anyone to commit or plan to commit what the patient knew or reasonably should have known to be a crime or fraud;

(6) When necessary to ensure the safety and security of military personnel, military dependents, military property, classified information, or the accomplishment of a military mission;

(7) When an accused offers statements or other evidence concerning his mental condition in defense, extenuation, or mitigation, under circumstances not covered by R.C.M. 706 or Mil. R. Evid. 302. In such situations, the military judge may, upon motion, order disclosure of any statement made by the accused to a psychotherapist as may be necessary in the interests of justice; or

(8) When admission or disclosure of a communication is constitutionally required.

(e) Procedure to Determine Admissibility of Patient Records or

Communications.

(1) In any case in which the production or admission of records or communications of a patient other than the accused is a matter in dispute, a party may seek an interlocutory ruling by the military judge. In order to obtain such a ruling, the party must:


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(A) File a written motion at least 5 days prior to entry of pleas specifically describing the evidence and stating the purpose for which it is sought or offered, or objected to, unless the military judge, for good cause shown, requires a different time for filing or permits filing during trial; and

(B) Serve the motion on the opposing party, the military judge and, if practical, notify the patient or the patient’s guardian, conservator, or representative that the motion has been filed and that the patient has an opportunity to be heard as set forth in subdivision (e)(2).

(2) Before ordering the production or admission of evidence of a patient’s records or communication, the military judge must conduct a hearing. Upon the motion of counsel for either party and upon good cause shown, the military judge may order the hearing closed. At the hearing, the parties may call witnesses, including the patient, and

offer other relevant evidence. The patient must be afforded a reasonable opportunity to attend the hearing and be heard at the patient’s own expense unless the patient has been otherwise subpoenaed or ordered to appear at the hearing. However, the proceedings may not be unduly delayed for this purpose.

In a case before a court-martial composed of a military judge and members, the military judge must conduct the hearing outside the presence of the members.

(3) The military judge may examine the evidence or a proffer thereof in camera, if such examination is necessary to rule on the motion.

(4) To prevent unnecessary disclosure of evidence of a patient’s records or communications, the military judge may issue protective orders or may admit only portions of the evidence.

(5) The motion, related papers, and the record of the hearing must be sealed

in accordance with R.C.M. 1103A and

must remain under seal unless the military judge or an appellate court

orders otherwise.

Rule 514. Victim Advocate—Victim Privilege

(a) General Rule. An alleged victim has a privilege to refuse to disclose and to prevent any other person from disclosing a confidential

communication made between the alleged victim and a victim advocate, in a case arising under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, if such

communication was made for the purpose of facilitating advice or supportive assistance to the alleged

victim.

(b) Definitions. As used in this rule: (1) ‘‘Alleged Victim’’ means any person who is alleged to have suffered direct physical or emotional harm as the

result of a sexual or violent offense.

(2) ‘‘Victim advocate’’ means a person who:

(A) Is designated in writing as a

victim advocate in accordance with service regulation;

(B) Is authorized to perform victim

advocate duties in accordance with service regulation and is acting in the performance of those duties; or

(C) Is certified as a victim advocate pursuant to federal or state requirements.

(3) A communication is ‘‘confidential’’ if made in the course of

the victim advocate—victim relationship and not intended to be disclosed to third persons other than

those to whom disclosure is made in

furtherance of the rendition of advice or assistance to the alleged victim or those reasonably necessary for such

transmission of the communication.

(4) ‘‘Evidence of an alleged victim’s

records or communications’’ means testimony of a victim advocate, or records that pertain to communications by an alleged victim to a victim advocate, for the purposes of advising or providing supportive assistance to the alleged victim.

(c) Who May Claim the Privilege. The privilege may be claimed by the alleged victim or the guardian or conservator of the alleged victim. A person who may claim the privilege may authorize trial

counsel or a defense counsel representing the alleged victim to claim the privilege on his or her behalf. The

victim advocate who received the communication may claim the privilege on behalf of the alleged victim. The authority of such a victim advocate, guardian, conservator, or a defense counsel representing the alleged victim to so assert the privilege is presumed in the absence of evidence to the contrary.

(d) Exceptions. There is no privilege

under this rule:

(1) When the alleged victim is dead; (2) When federal law, state law, or service regulation imposes a duty to report information contained in a
communication;

(3) When a victim advocate believes that an alleged victim’s mental or emotional condition makes the alleged victim a danger to any person, including the alleged victim;

(4) If the communication clearly contemplated the future commission of a fraud or crime, or if the services of the victim advocate are sought or obtained to enable or aid anyone to commit or plan to commit what the alleged victim knew or reasonably should have known to be a crime or fraud;

(5) When necessary to ensure the safety and security of military personnel, military dependents, military property, classified information, or the accomplishment of a military mission;

or (6) When admission or disclosure of a communication is constitutionally required.

(e) Procedure to Determine Admissibility of Alleged Victim Records

or Communications.

(1) In any case in which the production or admission of records or communications of an alleged victim is a matter in dispute, a party may seek an interlocutory ruling by the military judge. In order to obtain such a ruling, the party must:

(A) File a written motion at least 5 days prior to entry of pleas specifically describing the evidence and stating the purpose for which it is sought or offered, or objected to, unless the military judge, for good cause shown, requires a different time for filing or permits filing during trial; and

(B) Serve the motion on the opposing party, the military judge and, if practicable, notify the alleged victim or the alleged victim’s guardian, conservator, or representative that the

motion has been filed and that the alleged victim has an opportunity to be heard as set forth in subdivision (e)(2).

(2) Before ordering the production or admission of evidence of an alleged victim’s records or communication, the military judge must conduct a hearing. Upon the motion of counsel for either party and upon good cause shown, the military judge may order the hearing closed. At the hearing, the parties may call witnesses, including the alleged victim, and offer other relevant evidence. The alleged victim must be afforded a reasonable opportunity to attend the hearing and be heard at the alleged victim’s own expense unless the alleged victim has been otherwise subpoenaed or ordered to appear at the hearing. However, the proceedings may not be unduly delayed for this purpose.

In a case before a court-martial composed of a military judge and members, the military judge must conduct the hearing outside the presence of the members.

(3) The military judge may examine the evidence or a proffer thereof in camera, if such examination is necessary to rule on the motion.

(4) To prevent unnecessary disclosure of evidence of an alleged victim’s records or communications, the military judge may issue protective orders or


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may admit only portions of the

evidence.

(5) The motion, related papers, and the record of the hearing must be sealed

in accordance with R.C.M. 1103A and

must remain under seal unless the military judge or an appellate court

orders otherwise.

Rule 601. Competency To Testify in

General

Every person is competent to be a witness unless these rules provide

otherwise.

Rule 602. Need for Personal Knowledge

A witness may testify to a matter only

if evidence is introduced sufficient to support a finding that the witness has personal knowledge of the matter. Evidence to prove personal knowledge may consist of the witness’s own testimony. This rule does not apply to a witness’s expert testimony under Mil.

R. Evid. 703.

Rule 603. Oath or Affirmation To Testify Truthfully

Before testifying, a witness must give an oath or affirmation to testify truthfully. It must be in a form designed to impress that duty on the witness’s

conscience.

Rule 604. Interpreter

An interpreter must be qualified and must give an oath or affirmation to make

a true translation.

Rule 605. Military Judge’s Competency

as a Witness

(a) The presiding military judge may not testify as a witness at any proceeding of that court-martial. A party need not object to preserve the issue.

(b) This rule does not preclude the military judge from placing on the record matters concerning docketing of

the case.

Rule 606. Member’s Competency as a

Witness

(a) At the Trial by Court-Martial. A member of a court-martial may not testify as a witness before the other members at any proceeding of that

court-martial. If a member is called to testify, the military judge must—except in a special court-martial without a military judge—give the opposing party an opportunity to object outside the presence of the members.

(b) During an Inquiry into the Validity of a Finding or Sentence.

(1) Prohibited Testimony or Other Evidence. During an inquiry into the validity of a finding or sentence, a member of a court-martial may not testify about any statement made or incident that occurred during the deliberations of that court-martial; the effect of anything on that member’s or another member’s vote; or any member’s mental processes concerning the finding or sentence. The military judge may not

receive a member’s affidavit or evidence

of a member’s statement on these

matters.

(2) Exceptions. A member may testify

about whether:

(A) Extraneous prejudicial information was improperly brought to the members’ attention;

(B) Unlawful command influence or any other outside influence was improperly brought to bear on any member; or

(C) A mistake was made in entering the finding or sentence on the finding or

sentence forms.

Rule 607. Who May Impeach a Witness

Any party, including the party that called the witness, may attack the witness’s credibility.

Rule 608. A Witness’s Character for

Truthfulness or Untruthfulness

(a) Reputation or Opinion Evidence. A witness’s credibility may be attacked or supported by testimony about the witness’s reputation for having a

character for truthfulness or untruthfulness, or by testimony in the form of an opinion about that character.

Evidence of truthful character is admissible only after the witness’s

character for truthfulness has been

attacked.

(b) Specific Instances of Conduct. Except for a criminal conviction under Mil. R. Evid. 609, extrinsic evidence is not admissible to prove specific

instances of a witness’s conduct in order to attack or support the witness’s character for truthfulness. The military judge may, on cross-examination, allow them to be inquired into if they are probative of the character for

truthfulness or untruthfulness of:

(1) The witness; or (2) Another witness whose character the witness being cross-examined has

testified about.

By testifying on another matter, a witness does not waive any privilege against self-incrimination for testimony that relates only to the witness’s

character for truthfulness.

(c) Evidence of Bias. Bias, prejudice, or any motive to misrepresent may be shown to impeach the witness either by examination of the witness or by

evidence otherwise adduced.

Rule 609. Impeachment by Evidence of

a Criminal Conviction

(a) In General. The following rules apply to attacking a witness’s character for truthfulness by evidence of a

criminal conviction:

(1) For a crime that, in the convicting jurisdiction, was punishable by death, dishonorable discharge, or by imprisonment for more than one year,

the evidence:

(A) Must be admitted, subject to Mil. R. Evid. 403, in a court-martial in which the witness is not the accused; and

(B) Must be admitted in a courtmartial in which the witness is the accused, if the probative value of the evidence outweighs its prejudicial effect to that accused; and

(2) For any crime regardless of the punishment, the evidence must be admitted if the court can readily determine that establishing the elements of the crime required proving—or the witness’s admitting—a dishonest act or

false statement.

(3) In determining whether a crime tried by court-martial was punishable by death, dishonorable discharge, or imprisonment in excess of one year, the maximum punishment prescribed by

the President under Article 56 at the time of the conviction applies without regard to whether the case was tried bygeneral, special, or summary courtmartial.

(b) Limit on Using the Evidence After 10 Years. This subdivision (b) applies if more than 10 years have passed since

the witness’s conviction or release from confinement for it, whichever is later.

Evidence of the conviction is admissible only if:

(1) Its probative value, supported by specific facts and circumstances, substantially outweighs its prejudicial effect; and

(2) The proponent gives an adverse party reasonable written notice of the intent to use it so that the party has a fair opportunity to contest its use.

(c) Effect of a Pardon, Annulment, or

Certificate of Rehabilitation. Evidence of

a conviction is not admissible if:

(1) The conviction has been the subject of a pardon, annulment, certificate of rehabilitation, or other equivalent procedure based on a finding that the person has been rehabilitated, and the person has not been convicted of a later crime punishable by death, dishonorable discharge, or imprisonment for more than one year; or

(2) The conviction has been the subject of a pardon, annulment, or other equivalent procedure based on a finding

of innocence.

(d) Juvenile Adjudications. Evidence of a juvenile adjudication is admissible under this rule only if:

(1) The adjudication was of a witness other than the accused;


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(2) An adult’s conviction for that

offense would be admissible to attack the adult’s credibility; and

(3) Admitting the evidence is necessary to fairly determine guilt or

innocence.

(e) Pendency of an Appeal. A

conviction that satisfies this rule is admissible even if an appeal is pending, except that a conviction by summary court-martial or special court-martial without a military judge may not be used for purposes of impeachment until review has been completed under Article 64 or Article 66, if applicable. Evidence of the pendency is also

admissible.

(f) Definition. For purposes of thisrule, there is a ‘‘conviction’’ in a courtmartial case when a sentence has been adjudged.

Rule 610. Religious Beliefs or Opinions

Evidence of a witness’s religious beliefs or opinions is not admissible to attack or support the witness’s credibility.

Rule 611. Mode and Order of Examining Witnesses and Presenting

Evidence

(a) Control by the Military Judge; Purposes. The military judge should

exercise reasonable control over the mode and order of examining witnesses and presenting evidence so as to:

(1) Make those procedures effective for determining the truth;

(2) Avoid wasting time; and (3) Protect witnesses from harassment

or undue embarrassment.

(b) Scope of Cross-Examination. Cross-examination should not go beyond the subject matter of the direct examination and matters affecting the witness’s credibility. The military judge may allow inquiry into additional

matters as if on direct examination.

(c) Leading Questions. Leading questions should not be used on direct examination except as necessary to develop the witness’s testimony. Ordinarily, the military judge should allow leading questions:

(1) On cross-examination; and (2) When a party calls a hostile

witness or a witness identified with an adverse party.

(d) Remote live testimony of a child. (1) In a case involving domestic violence or the abuse of a child, the military judge must, subject to the requirements of subdivision (3) of this rule, allow an alleged child victim or witness to testify from an area outside the courtroom as prescribed in R.C.M.

914A.

(2) Definitions. As used in this rule: (A) ‘‘ Child ’’ means a person who is under the age of 16 at the time of his or her testimony.

(B) ‘‘ Abuse of a child ’’ means the physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, or negligent treatment of

a child.

(C) ‘‘ Exploitation ’’ means child pornography or child prostitution.

(D) ‘‘ Negligent treatment ’’ means the failure to provide, for reasons other than poverty, adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care so as to endanger seriously the physical health

of the child.

(E) ‘‘ Domestic violence ’’ means an offense that has as an element the use, or attempted or threatened use of physical force against a person by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the alleged victim; by a person with whom the alleged victim shares a child in common; by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the alleged victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian; or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the alleged victim.

(3) Remote live testimony will be used only where the military judge makes a finding on the record that a child is unable to testify in open court in the presence of the accused, for any of the following reasons:

(A) The child is unable to testify because of fear;

(B) There is substantial likelihood, established by expert testimony, that the

child would suffer emotional trauma from testifying;

(C) The child suffers from a mental or other infirmity; or

(D) Conduct by an accused or defense

counsel causes the child to be unable to continue testifying.

(4) Remote live testimony of a child

will not be used when the accused

elects to absent himself from the

courtroom in accordance with R.C.M. 804(d).

(5) In determining whether the impact on an alleged child victim or witness of one of the factors in subdivision (d)(3) is so substantial as to justify an order under subdivision (d)(1), the military judge may question the child in chambers, or at some comfortable place other than the courtroom, on the record for a reasonable period of time, in the presence of the child, the prosecution, the defense counsel, and the child’s attorney or guardian ad litem.

Rule 612. Writing Used To Refresh a Witness’s Memory

(a) Scope. This rule gives an adverse party certain options when a witness uses a writing to refresh memory:

(1) While testifying; or (2) Before testifying, if the military judge decides that justice requires the party to have those options.

(b) Adverse Party’s Options; Deleting Unrelated Matter. An adverse party is entitled to have the writing produced atthe hearing, to inspect it, to crossexamine the witness about it, and to introduce in evidence any portion that relates to the witness’s testimony. If the producing party claims that the writing includes unrelated or privileged matter, the military judge must examine the writing in camera, delete any unrelated or privileged portion, and order that the rest be delivered to the adverse party. Any portion deleted over objection must be preserved for the record.

(c) Failure to Produce or Deliver the Writing. If a writing is not produced or is not delivered as ordered, the military judge may issue any appropriate order. If the prosecution does not comply, the military judge must strike the witness’s testimony or—if justice so requires—

declare a mistrial.

(d) No Effect on Other Disclosure Requirements. This rule does not preclude disclosure of information required to be disclosed under other provisions of these rules or this Manual.

Rule 613. Witness’s Prior Statement

(a) Showing or Disclosing the Statement During Examination. When examining a witness about the witness’s prior statement, a party need not show

it or disclose its contents to the witness. The party must, on request, show it or

disclose its contents to an adverse party’s attorney.

(b) Extrinsic Evidence of a Prior

Inconsistent Statement. Extrinsic evidence of a witness’s prior

inconsistent statement is admissible only if the witness is given an opportunity to explain or deny the statement and an adverse party is given an opportunity to examine the witness about it, or if justice so requires. This subdivision (b) does not apply to an opposing party’s statement under Mil R. Evid. 801(d)(2).

Rule 614. Court-Martial’s Calling or Examining a Witness

(a) Calling. The military judge may— sua sponte or at the request of the members or the suggestion of a party— call a witness. Each party is entitled to

cross-examine the witness. When the members wish to call or recall a witness, the military judge must determine whether the testimony would be relevant and not barred by any rule or provision of this Manual.

(b) Examining. The military judge or members may examine a witness regardless of who calls the witness.


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Members must submit their questions to the military judge in writing. Following the opportunity for review by both parties, the military judge must rule on the propriety of the questions, and ask the questions in an acceptable form on

behalf of the members. When the military judge or the members call a witness who has not previously testified, the military judge may conduct the direct examination or may assign the responsibility to counsel for any party.

(c) Objections. A party may object to the court-martial’s calling or examining

a witness either at that time or at the next opportunity when the members are
not present.

Rule 615. Excluding Witnesses

At a party’s request, the military judge

must order witnesses excluded so that they cannot hear other witnesses’ testimony, or the military judge may do

so sua sponte. This rule does not authorize excluding:

(a) The accused; (b) A member of an armed service or an employee of the United States after being designated as a representative of the United States by the trial counsel;

(c) A person whose presence a party shows to be essential to presenting the party’s case;

(d) A person authorized by statute to be present; or

(e) An alleged victim of an offense

from the trial of an accused for that offense, when the sole basis for exclusion would be that the alleged victim may testify or present information during the presentencing phase of the trial.

Rule 701. Opinion Testimony by Lay

Witnesses

If a witness is not testifying as an expert, testimony in the form of an opinion is limited to one that is:

(a) Rationally based on the witness’s perception;

(b) Helpful to clearly understanding the witness’s testimony or to determining a fact in issue; and

(c) Not based on scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge within the scope of Mil. R. Evid. 702.

Rule 702. Testimony by Expert

Witnesses

A witness who is qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education may testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise if:

(a) The expert’s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue;

(b) The testimony is based on sufficient facts or data; (c) The testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods; and

(d) The expert has reliably applied the principles and methods to the facts of

the case.

Rule 703. Bases of an Expert’s Opinion Testimony

An expert may base an opinion on facts or data in the case that the expert has been made aware of or personally observed. If experts in the particular field would reasonably rely on those kinds of facts or data in forming an opinion on the subject, they need not be admissible for the opinion to be

admitted. If the facts or data would otherwise be inadmissible, the proponent of the opinion may disclose

them to the members of a court-martial only if the military judge finds that their probative value in helping the members evaluate the opinion substantially outweighs their prejudicial effect.

Rule 704. Opinion on an Ultimate Issue

(a) In General—Not Automatically Objectionable. An opinion is not objectionable just because it embraces

an ultimate issue.

(b) Exception. An expert witness must not state an opinion about whether the

accused did or did not have a mental

state or condition that constitutes an element of the crime charged or of a

defense. Those are matters for the trier

of fact alone.

Rule 705. Disclosing the Facts or Data Underlying an Expert’s Opinion

Unless the military judge orders otherwise, an expert may state an opinion—and give the reasons for it— without first testifying to the underlying facts or data. The expert may be required to disclose those facts or data

on cross-examination.

Rule 706. Court-Appointed Expert

Witnesses

(a) Appointment Process. The trial counsel, the defense counsel, and the court-martial have equal opportunity to obtain expert witnesses under Article 46

and R.C.M. 703.

(b) Compensation. The compensation of expert witnesses is governed by

R.C.M. 703.

(c) Accused’s Choice of Experts. This rule does not limit an accused in calling any expert at the accused’s own

expense.
Rule 707. Polygraph Examinations

(a) Prohibitions. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the result of a polygraph examination, the polygraph examiner’s opinion, or any reference to an offer to take, failure to take, or taking of a polygraph examination is not

admissible.

(b) Statements Made During a Polygraph Examination. This rule does not prohibit admission of an otherwise admissible statement made during a polygraph examination.

Rule 801. Definitions That Apply to This Section; Exclusions From Hearsay

(a) Statement. ‘‘Statement’’ means a person’s oral assertion, written assertion, or nonverbal conduct, if the person intended it as an assertion.

(b) Declarant. ‘‘ Declarant ’’ means the person who made the statement.

(c) Hearsay. ‘‘ Hearsay ’’ means a
statement that:

(1) The declarant does not make while testifying at the current trial or hearing;

and

(2) A party offers in evidence to prove

the truth of the matter asserted in the

statement.

(d) Statements that Are Not Hearsay. A statement that meets the following conditions is not hearsay:

(1) A Declarant-Witness’s Prior

Statement. The declarant testifies and is subject to cross-examination about a prior statement, and the statement:

(A) Is inconsistent with the declarant’s testimony and was given under penalty of perjury at a trial, hearing, or other proceeding or in a deposition;

(B) Is consistent with the declarant’s testimony and is offered to rebut an express or implied charge that the declarant recently fabricated it or acted from a recent improper influence or motive in so testifying; or

(C) Identifies a person as someone the declarant perceived earlier.

(2) An Opposing Party’s Statement. The statement is offered against an opposing party and:

(A) Was made by the party in an individual or representative capacity;

(B) Is one the party manifested that it adopted or believed to be true;

(C) Was made by a person whom the party authorized to make a statement on the subject;

(D) Was made by the party’s agent or employee on a matter within the scope of that relationship and while it existed;

or (E) Was made by the party’s coconspirator during and in furtherance of the conspiracy.

The statement must be considered but does not by itself establish the declarant’s authority under (C); the existence or scope of the relationship under (D); or the existence of the conspiracy or participation in it under (E).


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Rule 802. The Rule Against Hearsay

Hearsay is not admissible unless any of the following provides otherwise:

(a) A federal statute; (b) These rules; or (c) Other rules prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority.

Rule 803. Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay—Regardless of

Whether the Declarant Is Available as

a Witness

The following are not excluded by the rule against hearsay, regardless of

whether the declarant is available as a

witness:

(1) Present Sense Impression. A statement describing or explaining an event or condition, made while or immediately after the declarant perceived it.

(2) Excited Utterance. A statement relating to a startling event or condition,

made while the declarant was under the

stress of excitement that it caused.

(3) Then-Existing Mental, Emotional, or Physical Condition. A statement of the declarant’s then-existing state of mind (such as motive, intent, or plan) or emotional, sensory, or physical condition (such as mental feeling, pain, or bodily health), but not including a statement of memory or belief to prove

the fact remembered or believed unless it relates to the validity or terms of the

declarant’s will.

(4) Statement Made for Medical Diagnosis or Treatment. A statement
that—

(A) Is made for—and is reasonably pertinent to—medical diagnosis or treatment; and

(B) Describes medical history; past or present symptoms or sensations; their inception; or their general cause.

(5) Recorded Recollection. A record

that:

(A) Is on a matter the witness once

knew about but now cannot recall well enough to testify fully and accurately;

(B) Was made or adopted by the

witness when the matter was fresh in the witness’s memory; and

(C) Accurately reflects the witness’s knowledge.

If admitted, the record may be read into evidence but may be received as an exhibit only if offered by an adverse
party.

(6) Records of a Regularly Conducted Activity. A record of an act, event, condition, opinion, or diagnosis if:

(A) The record was made at or near the time by—or from information transmitted by—someone with knowledge;

(B) The record was kept in the course of a regularly conducted activity of a uniformed service, business, institution, association, profession, organization, occupation, or calling of any kind, whether or not conducted for profit;

(C) Making the record was a regular practice of that activity;

(D) All these conditions are shown by the testimony of the custodian or another qualified witness, or by a certification that complies with Mil. R. Evid. 902(11) or with a statute permitting certification in a criminal proceeding in a court of the United States; and

(E) Neither the source of information

nor the method or circumstances of preparation indicate a lack of

trustworthiness.

Records of regularly conducted activities include, but are not limited to, enlistment papers, physical examination papers, fingerprint cards, forensic laboratory reports, chain of custody documents, morning reports and other personnel accountability documents, service records, officer and enlisted qualification records, logs, unit personnel diaries, individual equipment records, daily strength records of prisoners, and rosters of prisoners.

(7) Absence of a Record of a Regularly Conducted Activity. Evidence that a

matter is not included in a record described in paragraph (6) if:

(A) The evidence is admitted to prove that the matter did not occur or exist;

(B) A record was regularly kept for a matter of that kind; and

(C) Neither the possible source of the

information nor other circumstances

indicate a lack of trustworthiness.

(8) Public Records. A record or statement of a public office if:

(A) It sets out: (i) The office’s activities; (ii) A matter observed while under a legal duty to report, but not including a matter observed by law-enforcement personnel and other personnel acting in a law enforcement capacity; or

(iii) Against the government, factual findings from a legally authorized investigation; and

(B) Neither the source of information

nor other circumstances indicate a lack

of trustworthiness.

Notwithstanding (A)(ii), the following are admissible under this paragraph as a record of a fact or event if made by a person within the scope of the person’s

official duties and those duties included a duty to know or to ascertain through appropriate and trustworthy channels of

information the truth of the fact or event

and to record such fact or event: enlistment papers, physical examination papers, fingerprint cards, forensic laboratory reports, chain of custody documents, morning reports and other personnel accountability documents, service records, officer and enlisted qualification records, court-martial conviction records, logs, unit personnel diaries, individual equipment records, daily strength records of prisoners, and rosters of prisoners.

(9) Public Records of Vital Statistics. A record of a birth, death, or marriage, if reported to a public office in accordance with a legal duty.

(10) Absence of a Public Record. Testimony—or a certification under Mil. R. Evid. 902—that a diligent search failed to disclose a public record or statement if the testimony or certification is admitted to prove that:

(A) The record or statement does not
exist; or

(B) A matter did not occur or exist, if a public office regularly kept a record or

statement for a matter of that kind.

(11) Records of Religious Organizations Concerning Personal or Family History. A statement of birth, legitimacy, ancestry, marriage, divorce, death, relationship by blood or marriage, or similar facts of personal or family history, contained in a regularly kept record of a religious organization.

(12) Certificates of Marriage, Baptism,

and Similar Ceremonies. A statement of

fact contained in a certificate:

(A) Made by a person who is authorized by a religious organization or by law to perform the act certified;

(B) Attesting that the person performed a marriage or similar ceremony or administered a sacrament;

and

(C) Purporting to have been issued at

the time of the act or within a

reasonable time after it.

(13) Family Records. A statement of fact about personal or family history contained in a family record, such as a Bible, genealogy, chart, engraving on a ring, inscription on a portrait, or engraving on an urn or burial marker.

(14) Records of Documents that Affect an Interest in Property. The record of a document that purports to establish or affect an interest in property if:

(A) The record is admitted to prove the content of the original recorded document, along with its signing and its delivery by each person who purports to have signed it;

(B) The record is kept in a public office; and

(C) A statute authorizes recording

documents of that kind in that office.

(15) Statements in Documents that Affect an Interest in Property. A

statement contained in a document that purports to establish or affect an interest in property if the matter stated was relevant to the document’s purpose unless later dealings with the property


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are inconsistent with the truth of the statement or the purport of the

document.

(16) Statements in Ancient

Documents. A statement in a document that is at least 20 years old and whose authenticity is established.

(17) Market Reports and Similar

Commercial Publications. Market quotations, lists (including government price lists), directories, or other compilations that are generally relied on by the public or by persons in particular occupations.

(18) Statements in Learned Treatises, Periodicals, or Pamphlets. A statement contained in a treatise, periodical, or pamphlet if:

(A) The statement is called to theattention of an expert witness on crossexamination or relied on by the expert on direct examination; and

(B) The publication is established as a reliable authority by the expert’s admission or testimony, by another expert’s testimony, or by judicial notice. If admitted, the statement may be read

into evidence but not received as an

exhibit.

(19) Reputation Concerning Personal or Family History. A reputation among a person’s family by blood, adoption, or marriage—or among a person’s associates or in the community— concerning the person’s birth, adoption, legitimacy, ancestry, marriage, divorce, death, relationship by blood, adoption, or marriage, or similar facts of personal or family history.

(20) Reputation Concerning Boundaries or General History. A reputation in a community—arising before the controversy—concerning boundaries of land in the community or customs that affect the land, or concerning general historical events important to that community, state, or

nation.

(21) Reputation Concerning Character. A reputation among a person’s associates or in the community concerning the person’s character.

(22) Judgment of a Previous

Conviction. Evidence of a final judgment of conviction if:

(A) The judgment was entered after a trial or guilty plea, but not a nolo contendere plea;

(B) The conviction was for a crime punishable by death, dishonorable discharge, or by imprisonment for more than a year;

(C) The evidence is admitted to prove any fact essential to the judgment; and

(D) When offered by the prosecutor for a purpose other than impeachment, the judgment was against the accused.

The pendency of an appeal may be shown but does not affect admissibility. In determining whether a crime tried by court-martial was punishable by death, dishonorable discharge, or imprisonment for more than one year, the maximum punishment prescribed by the President under Article 56 of the Uniform of Military Justice at the time of the conviction applies without regard to whether the case was tried by general, special, or summary court-martial.

(23) Judgments Involving Personal, Family, or General History, or a Boundary. A judgment that is admitted to prove a matter of personal, family, or general history, or boundaries, if the

matter:

(A) Was essential to the judgment;

and

(B) Could be proved by evidence of reputation.

Rule 804. Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay—When the Declarant

Is Unavailable as a Witness

(a) Criteria for Being Unavailable. A

declarant is considered to be

unavailable as a witness if the declarant:

(1) Is exempted from testifying about the subject matter of the declarant’s statement because the military judge rules that a privilege applies;

(2) Refuses to testify about the subject matter despite the military judge’s order to do so;

(3) Testifies to not remembering the subject matter;

(4) Cannot be present or testify at the trial or hearing because of death or a then-existing infirmity, physical illness, or mental illness; or

(5) Is absent from the trial or hearing and the statement’s proponent has not been able, by process or other reasonable means, to procure:

(A) The declarant’s attendance, in the case of a hearsay exception under subdivision (b)(1) or (b)(5);

(B) The declarant’s attendance or testimony, in the case of a hearsay exception under subdivision (b)(2), (b)(3), or (b)(4); or

(6) Is unavailable within the meaning of Article 49(d)(2).

This subdivision (a) does not apply if the statement’s proponent procured or wrongfully caused the declarant’s unavailability as a witness in order to prevent the declarant from attending or testifying.

(b) The Exceptions. The following are exceptions to the rule against hearsay, and are not excluded by that rule if the

declarant is unavailable as a witness:

(1) Former Testimony. Testimony

that:

(A) Was given by a witness at a trial, hearing, or lawful deposition, whether given during the current proceeding or a different one; and (B) Is now offered against a party who had an opportunity and similar motive to develop it by direct, cross-, or redirect

examination.

Subject to the limitations in Articles 49 and 50, a record of testimony given before a court-martial, court of inquiry, military commission, other military tribunal, or pretrial investigation under

Article 32 is admissible under this subdivision (b)(1) if the record of the testimony is a verbatim record.

(2) Statement under the Belief of Imminent Death. In a prosecution for any offense resulting in the death of the alleged victim, a statement that the declarant, while believing the declarant’s death to be imminent, made

about its cause or circumstances.

(3) Statement against Interest. A

statement that:

(A) A reasonable person in the declarant’s position would have made only if the person believed it to be true because, when made, it was so contrary to the declarant’s proprietary or pecuniary interest or had so great a tendency to invalidate the declarant’s claim against someone else or to expose

the declarant to civil or criminal liability; and

(B) Is supported by corroborating circumstances that clearly indicate its trustworthiness, if it tends to expose the declarant to criminal liability and is offered to exculpate the accused.

(4) Statement of Personal or Family History. A statement about:

(A) The declarant’s own birth, adoption, legitimacy, ancestry, marriage, divorce, relationship by blood or marriage, or similar facts of personal or family history, even though the declarant had no way of acquiring personal knowledge about that fact; or

(B) Another person concerning any of these facts, as well as death, if the declarant was related to the person by blood, adoption, or marriage or was so intimately associated with the person’s family that the declarant’s information is likely to be accurate.

(5) Other Exceptions. [Transferred to Rule 807.]

(6) Statement Offered against a Party that Wrongfully Caused the Declarant’s Unavailability. A statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused or acquiesced in wrongfully causing the declarant’s unavailability as a witness, and did so intending that result.

Rule 805. Hearsay Within Hearsay

Hearsay within hearsay is not excluded by the rule against hearsay if each part of the combined statements conforms with an exception or

exclusion to the rule.


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Rule 806. Attacking and Supporting the Declarant’s Credibility

When a hearsay statement—or a

statement described in Mil. R. Evid. 801(d)(2)(C), (D), or (E)—has been admitted in evidence, the declarant’s credibility may be attacked, and then supported, by any evidence that would be admissible for those purposes if the

declarant had testified as a witness. The military judge may admit evidence of

the declarant’s inconsistent statement or conduct, regardless of when it occurred

or whether the declarant had an opportunity to explain or deny it. If the party against whom the statement was

admitted calls the declarant as a witness, the party may examine the

declarant on the statement as if on

cross-examination.

Rule 807. Residual Exception

(a) In General. Under the following circumstances, a hearsay statement is not excluded by the rule against hearsay even if the statement is not specifically covered by a hearsay exception in Mil.

R. Evid. 803 or 804:

(1) The statement has equivalent circumstantial guarantees of trustworthiness;

(2) It is offered as evidence of a material fact;

(3) It is more probative on the point for which it is offered than any other evidence that the proponent can obtain through reasonable efforts; and

(4) Admitting it will best serve the purposes of these rules and the interests of justice.

(b) Notice. The statement is admissible only if, before the trial or hearing, the proponent gives an adverse party reasonable notice of the intent to offer the statement and its particulars, including the declarant’s name and address, so that the party has a fair opportunity to meet it.

Rule 901. Authenticating or Identifying

Evidence

(a) In General. To satisfy the requirement of authenticating or identifying an item of evidence, the proponent must produce evidence sufficient to support a finding that the item is what the proponent claims it is.

(b) Examples. The following are examples only—not a complete list—of evidence that satisfies the requirement:

(1) Testimony of a Witness With Knowledge. Testimony that an item is

what it is claimed to be.

(2) Nonexpert Opinion About Handwriting. A nonexpert’s opinion that handwriting is genuine, based on a familiarity with it that was not acquired for the current litigation. (3) Comparison by an Expert Witness or the Trier of Fact. A comparison with an authenticated specimen by an expert

witness or the trier of fact.

(4) Distinctive Characteristics and the Like. The appearance, contents, substance, internal patterns, or other distinctive characteristics of the item, taken together with all the

circumstances.

(5) Opinion About a Voice. An opinion identifying a person’s voice— whether heard firsthand or through

mechanical or electronic transmission or recording—based on hearing the voice at any time under circumstances that connect it with the alleged speaker.

(6) Evidence About a Telephone Conversation. For a telephone conversation, evidence that a call was made to the number assigned at the time

to:

(A) A particular person, ifcircumstances, including selfidentification, show that the person answering was the one called; or

(B) A particular business, if the call

was made to a business and the call related to business reasonably transacted over the telephone.

(7) Evidence about Public Records.

Evidence that:

(A) A document was recorded or filed in a public office as authorized by law;

or (B) A purported public record or

statement is from the office where items of this kind are kept.

(8) Evidence About Ancient Documents or Data Compilations. For a document or data compilation, evidence

that it:

(A) Is in a condition that creates no suspicion about its authenticity;

(B) Was in a place where, if authentic, it would likely be; and

(C) Is at least 20 years old when

offered.

(9) Evidence About a Process or System. Evidence describing a process or system and showing that it produces

an accurate result.

(10) Methods Provided by a Statute or Rule. Any method of authentication or identification allowed by a federal statute, a rule prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority, or an applicable regulation prescribed pursuant to statutory authority.

Rule 902. Evidence That Is SelfAuthenticating

The following items of evidence are self-authenticating; they require no extrinsic evidence of authenticity in

order to be admitted:

(1) Domestic Public Documents that are Sealed and Signed. A document that

bears: (A) A seal purporting to be that of the United States; any state, district, commonwealth, territory, or insular possession of the United States; the former Panama Canal Zone; the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; a political subdivision of any of these entities; or a department, agency, or officer of any entity named above; and

(B) A signature purporting to be an

execution or attestation.

(2) Domestic Public Documents That Are Not Sealed but Are Signed and

Certified. A document that bears no seal

if: (A) It bears the signature of an officer or employee of an entity named in subdivision (1)(A) above; and

(B) Another public officer who has a

seal and official duties within that same entity certifies under seal—or its equivalent—that the signer has the official capacity and that the signature is genuine.

(3) Foreign Public Documents. A document that purports to be signed or attested by a person who is authorized by a foreign country’s law to do so. The document must be accompanied by a

final certification that certifies the genuineness of the signature and official position of the signer or attester—or of any foreign official whose certificate of genuineness relates to the signature or

attestation or is in a chain of certificates of genuineness relating to the signature or attestation. The certification may be made by a secretary of a United States embassy or legation; by a consul general, vice consul, or consular agent of the United States; or by a diplomatic or consular official of the foreign country assigned or accredited to the United States. If all parties have been given a reasonable opportunity to investigate the document’s authenticity and accuracy, the military judge may, for good cause, either:

(A) Order that it be treated as presumptively authentic without final certification; or

(B) Allow it to be evidenced by an attested summary with or without final

certification.

(4) Certified Copies of Public Records. A copy of an official record—or a copy

of a document that was recorded or filed in a public office as authorized by law— if the copy is certified as correct by:

(A) The custodian or another person authorized to make the certification; or

(B) A certificate that complies with subdivision (1), (2), or (3) above, a federal statute, a rule prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority, or an applicable regulation prescribed pursuant to statutory authority.


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(4a) Documents or Records of the United States Accompanied by Attesting Certificates. Documents or records kept under the authority of the United States by any department, bureau, agency, office, or court thereof when attached to or accompanied by an attesting

certificate of the custodian of the

document or record without further

authentication.

(5) Official Publications. A book, pamphlet, or other publication purporting to be issued by a public authority.

(6) Newspapers and Periodicals. Printed material purporting to be a newspaper or periodical.

(7) Trade Inscriptions and the Like. An inscription, sign, tag, or label purporting to have been affixed in the course of business and indicating origin, ownership, or control.

(8) Acknowledged Documents. A document accompanied by a certificate of acknowledgment that is lawfully executed by a notary public or another

officer who is authorized to take acknowledgments.

(9) Commercial Paper and Related Documents. Commercial paper, a signature on it, and related documents, to the extent allowed by general

commercial law.

(10) Presumptions under a Federal Statute or Regulation. A signature, document, or anything else that a federal statute, or an applicable regulation prescribed pursuant to statutory authority, declares to be presumptively or prima facie genuine or

authentic.

(11) Certified Domestic Records of a Regularly Conducted Activity. The original or a copy of a domestic record that meets the requirements of Mil. R. Evid. 803(6)(A)–(C), as shown by a

certification of the custodian or another qualified person that complies with a federal statute or a rule prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority. Before the trial or hearing, or at a later time that the military judge allows for good cause, the proponent must give an adverse party reasonable

written notice of the intent to offer the

record and must make the record and certification available for inspection so that the party has a fair opportunity to challenge them.

Rule 903. Subscribing Witness’s Testimony

A subscribing witness’s testimony is necessary to authenticate a writing only if required by the law of the jurisdiction that governs its validity. Rule 1001. Definitions That Apply to

This Section

In this section: (a) A ‘‘ writing ’’ consists of letters, words, numbers, or their equivalent set down in any form.

(b) A ‘‘ recording ’’ consists of letters, words, numbers, or their equivalent recorded in any manner.

(c) A ‘‘ photograph ’’ means a photographic image or its equivalent stored in any form.

(d) An ‘‘ original ’’ of a writing or recording means the writing or recording itself or any counterpart intended to have the same effect by the person who executed or issued it. For electronically stored information,

‘‘ original ’’ means any printout or other output readable by sight if it accurately

reflects the information. An ‘‘ original ’’ of a photograph includes the negative or a print from it.

(e) A ‘‘ duplicate ’’ means a counterpart produced by a mechanical, photographic, chemical, electronic, or other equivalent process or technique that accurately reproduces the original.

Rule 1002. Requirement of the Original

An original writing, recording, or photograph is required in order to prove its content unless these rules, this Manual, or a federal statute provides

otherwise.

Rule 1003. Admissibility of Duplicates

A duplicate is admissible to the same extent as the original unless a genuine question is raised about the original’s authenticity or the circumstances make it unfair to admit the duplicate.

Rule 1004. Admissibility of Other

Evidence of Content

An original is not required and other evidence of the content of a writing, recording, or photograph is admissible

if: (a) All the originals are lost or destroyed, and not by the proponent acting in bad faith;

(b) An original cannot be obtained by any available judicial process;

(c) The party against whom the original would be offered had control of the original; was at that time put on notice, by pleadings or otherwise, that the original would be a subject of proof at the trial or hearing; and fails to produce it at the trial or hearing; or

(d) The writing, recording, or photograph is not closely related to a controlling issue.

Rule 1005. Copies of Public Records To

Prove Content

The proponent may use a copy to prove the content of an official record— or of a document that was recorded or filed in a public office as authorized by

law—if these conditions are met: The

record or document is otherwise admissible; and the copy is certified as

correct in accordance with Mil. R. Evid. 902(4) or is testified to be correct by a witness who has compared it with the original. If no such copy can be obtained by reasonable diligence, then the proponent may use other evidence to prove the content.

Rule 1006. Summaries To Prove

Content

The proponent may use a summary, chart, or calculation to prove the content of voluminous writings, recordings, or photographs that cannot be conveniently examined in court. The proponent must make the originals or duplicates available for examination or copying, or both, by other parties at a reasonable time or place. The military judge may order the proponent to produce them in court.

Rule 1007. Testimony or Statement of a Party To Prove Content

The proponent may prove the content of a writing, recording, or photograph by the testimony, deposition, or written statement of the party against whom the evidence is offered. The proponent need not account for the original.

Rule 1008. Functions of the Military Judge and the Members

Ordinarily, the military judge determines whether the proponent has

fulfilled the factual conditions for admitting other evidence of the content of a writing, recording, or photograph

under Mil. R. Evid. 1004 or 1005. When a court-martial is composed of a military judge and members, the members

determine—in accordance with Mil. R. Evid. 104(b)—any issue about whether:

(a) An asserted writing, recording, or photograph ever existed;

(b) Another one produced at the trial or hearing is the original; or

(c) Other evidence of content accurately reflects the content.

Rule 1101. Applicability of These Rules

(a) In General. Except as otherwise provided in this Manual, these rules apply generally to all courts-martial, including summary courts-martial, Article 39(a) sessions, limited factfinding proceedings ordered on review, proceedings in revision, and contempt proceedings other than contempt proceedings in which the judge may act summarily.

(b) Rules Relaxed. The application of these rules may be relaxed in presentencing proceedings as provided


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under R.C.M. 1001 and otherwise as provided in this Manual.

(c) Rules on Privilege. The rules on privilege apply at all stages of a case or proceeding.

(d) Exceptions. These rules—except

for Mil. R. Evid. 412 and those on privilege—do not apply to the following:

(1) The military judge’s determination, under Rule 104(a), on a preliminary question of fact governing admissibility;

(2) Pretrial investigations under Article 32;

(3) Proceedings for vacation of suspension of sentence under Article 72; and

(4) Miscellaneous actions and proceedings related to search authorizations, pretrial restraint, pretrial confinement, or other proceedings

authorized under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or this Manual that are not listed in subdivision (a).

(e) Other Statutes and Rules. A federal statute, a rule prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority, or a rule prescribed in regulations promulgated under statutory authority may provide for admitting or excluding evidence independently from

these rules.

Rule 1102. Amendments

(a) Amendments to the Federal Rules

of Evidence—other than Articles III and V—will amend parallel provisions of the Military Rules of Evidence by operation of law 18 months after the effective date of such amendments, unless action to the contrary is taken by

the President.

(b) Rules Determined Not to Apply.

The President has determined that the following Federal Rules of Evidence do not apply to the Military Rules of Evidence: Rules 301, 302, 415, and 902(12).

Rule 1103. Title

These rules may be cited as the ‘‘Military Rules of Evidence.’’

Section 2. These amendments shall take effect 30 days from the date of this

order.

(a) Nothing in these amendments shall be construed to make punishable any act done or omitted prior to the

effective date of this order that was not punishable when done or omitted.

(b) Nothing in these amendments shall be construed to invalidate any nonjudicial punishment proceedings, restraint, investigation, referral of charges, trial in which arraignment occurred, or other action begun prior to the effective date of this order, and any such nonjudicial punishment, restraint, investigation, referral of charges, trial, or other action may proceed in the same

manner and with the same effect as if

these amendments had not been prescribed.

The White House

Changes to the Discussion Accompanying the Manual for Courts Martial, United States

(a) A new Discussion is added following Mil. R. Evid. 301(c) as

follows:

‘‘A military judge is not required to provide Article 31 warnings. If a witness who seems uninformed of the privileges under this rule appears likely to incriminate himself or herself, the military judge may advise the witness of the right to decline to make any answer that might tend to incriminate the witness and that any self-incriminating answer the witness might make can later be used as evidence against the witness. Counsel for any party or for the witness may ask the military judge to so advise a witness if such a request is made out of the hearing of the witness and, in a court-martial with members, the

members. Failure to so advise a witness does not make the testimony of the

witness inadmissible.’’

(b) A new Discussion is added following Mil. R. Evid. 305(a)(1) as

follows:

‘‘Pursuant to Article 31, a person subject to the code may not interrogate or request any statement from an accused or a person suspected of an

offense without first:

(1) Informing the accused or suspect of the nature of the accusation;

(2) advising the accused or suspect that the accused or suspect has the right to remain silent; and

(3) Advising the accused or suspect that any statement made may be used as evidence against the accused or suspect in a trial by court-martial.’’

(c) A new Discussion is added following Mil. R. Evid. 305(a)(3) as

follows:

‘‘If a person chooses to exercise the privilege against self-incrimination, questioning must cease immediately. If a person who is subjected to interrogation under the circumstances described in subdivisions (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this rule chooses to exercise the right to counsel, questioning must cease until counsel is present.’’

(d) A new Discussion is added following Mil. R. Evid. 312(b)(2)(F) as

follows:

‘‘An examination of the unclothed body under this rule should be conducted whenever practicable by a person of the same sex as that of the person being examined; however, failure to comply with this requirement

does not make an examination an unlawful search within the meaning of

Mil. R. Evid. 311.’’

(e) A new Discussion is added following Mil. R. Evid. 312(e) as

follows:

‘‘Compelling a person to ingest substances for the purposes of locating the property described above or to compel the bodily elimination of such property is a search within the meaning

of this section.’’

(f) A new Discussion is added following Mil. R. Evid. 312(f) as follows:

‘‘Nothing in this rule will be deemed to interfere with the lawful authority of

the armed forces to take whatever action may be necessary to preserve the health

of a servicemember.’’

(g) A new Discussion is added following Mil. R. Evid. 314(c) as

follows:

‘‘Searches under subdivision (c) may

not be conducted at a time or in a manner contrary to an express provision of a treaty or agreement to which the United States is a party; however, failure to comply with a treaty or agreement does not render a search unlawful within the meaning of Mil. R.

Evid. 311.’’

(h) A new Discussion is added following Mil. R. Evid. 314(f)(2) as

follows:

‘‘Subdivision (f)(2) requires a

reasonable belief that the individual to be frisked is armed and presently dangerous. The test is whether a reasonably prudent man in similar

circumstances would be warranted in a belief that his safety was in danger. The purpose of a frisk is to search for weapons or other dangerous items, including but not limited to: knives, needles, or razor blades. The purpose of the frisk is not to search for contraband; however, contraband or evidence that is located in the process of a lawful frisk may be seized.’’

(i) A new Discussion is added following Mil. R. Evid. 315(a) as

follows:

‘‘Although military personnel should adhere to procedural guidance regarding the conduct of searches, violation of such procedural guidance does not

render evidence inadmissible unless the

search is unlawful under these rules or

the Constitution of the United States as applied to members of the armed forces. For example, if the person whose property is to be searched is present during a search conducted pursuant to a search authorization granted under this rule, the person conducting the search should notify him or her of the fact of authorization and the general


### 65093 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 202 / Wednesday, October 19, 2011 / Notices

substance of the authorization. Such notice may be made prior to or contemporaneously with the search. Property seized should be inventoried at

the time of a seizure or as soon thereafter as practicable. A copy of the inventory should be given to a person from whose possession or premises the property was taken. Failure to provide notice, make an inventory, furnish a copy thereof, or otherwise comply with this guidance does not render a search or seizure unlawful within the meaning

of Mil. R. Evid. 311.’’

(j) A new Discussion is added following Mil. R. Evid. 315(c)(4) as

follows:

‘‘If nonmilitary property within a foreign country is owned, used, occupied by, or in the possession of an agency of the United States other than the Department of Defense, a search

should be conducted in coordination with an appropriate representative of the agency concerned, although failure

to obtain such coordination would not

render a search unlawful within the meaning of Mil. R. Evid. 311. If other nonmilitary property within a foreign country is to be searched, the search

should be conducted in accordance with any relevant treaty or agreement or in coordination with an appropriate representative of the foreign country, although failure to obtain such coordination or noncompliance with a treaty or agreement would not render a search unlawful within the meaning of

Mil. R. Evid. 311.’’

(k) A new Discussion is added following Mil. R. Evid. 317(b) as

follows:

‘‘Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 2516(1), the Attorney General, or any Assistant Attorney General specially designated by the Attorney General may authorize an application to a federal judge of competent jurisdiction for, and such judge may grant in conformity with 18 U.S.C. 2518, an order authorizing or approving the interception of wire or oral communications by the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, or any Military Department for purposes of obtaining evidence concerning the offenses enumerated in 18 U.S.C. 2516(1), to the extent such offenses are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.’’

(l) A new Discussion is added following Mil. R. Evid. 412(c)(3) as

follows:

‘‘After hearing all relevant evidence, the military judge should carefully tailor an order that protects both the alleged victim’s privacy interests and the accused’s constitutional rights, bearing in mind that the alleged victim’s privacy interests cannot preclude the admission of constitutionally required evidence. Finally, in making the order, the military judge should conduct the balancing test under Mil. R. Evid. 403.’’

(m) A new Discussion is added following Mil. R. Evid. 312(f) as follows: 505(k)(3)

‘‘In addition to the sixth amendment right of an accused to a public trial, the Supreme Court has held that the press and general public have a constitutional right under the first amendment to

access to criminal trials. United States v. Hershey, 20 M.J. 433 (C.M.A. 1985) citing Richmond Newspapers, Inc. v. Virginia, 448 U.S. 555 (1980). The test

that must be met before closure of a criminal trial to the public is set out in Press-Enterprise Co. v. Superior Court, 464 U.S. 501 (1984), to wit: the party seeking closure must advance an overriding interest that is likely to be prejudiced; the closure must be narrowly tailored to protect that interest; the trial court must consider reasonable alternatives to closure; and it must make adequate findings supporting the closure to aid in review.’’

Dated: October 12, 2011.

Patricia L. Toppings,
OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.

[FR Doc. 2011–26896 Filed 10–18–11; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 5001–06–P**