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EVIDENCE

Rule 102.Purpose and Construction

These rules shall be construed to secure fairness in administration, elimination of unjustifiable expense and delay, and promotion of growth and development of the law of evidence to the end that the truth may be ascertained and proceedings justly determined.

Committee Comment - 1977

Rule 102 sets the stage for the application of the evidentiary rules. In the interpretation of the rules, principles of fairness and convenience should be paramount. The rules should not be read narrowly but with a view for accomplishing essential fairness, with a minimum of formality and procedural obstacles in the search for the truth. The rules provide for a great deal of flexibility and discretion. This rule urges that such discretion and flexibility be exercised to accomplish the stated purpose.