Opinion ID: 1256271
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Is the statement material?

Text: If the proffered statement is not specifically covered by any of the enumerated exceptions and has equivalent circumstantial guarantees of trustworthiness, it is still inadmissible unless the trial judge determines that it is offered as evidence of a material fact. This requirement has been construed as a mere restatement of the requirement of relevancy set out in Rules 401 and 402. See Huff v. White Motor Corp., 609 F.2d 286, 294 (7th Cir.1979); M. Graham, Handbook of Federal Evidence § 803.24 (1981). Although findings of fact need not be made, the trial judge must include in the record a statement that the proffered evidence is offered as evidence of a material fact if he so finds. If not, the record should so reflect, and the inquiry should end.