Conn. R. Evid. 4-2

As amended through July 1, 2024

Section 4-2 - Relevant Evidence Generally Admissible; Irrelevant Evidence Inadmissible

All relevant evidence is admissible, except as otherwise provided by the constitution of the United States, the constitution of this state of Connecticut, the Code the General Statutes or the common law. Evidence that is not relevant is inadmissible.

Conn. Code. Evid. 4-2

Amended Dec. 14, 2017, to take effect 2/1/2018.

COMMENTARY

Section 4-2 recognizes two fundamental common-law principles: (1) all relevant evidence is admissible unless otherwise excluded; e.g., Delmore v. Polinsky, 132 Conn. 28, 31, 42 A.2d 349 (1945); see Federated Dept. Stores, Inc. v. Board of Tax Review, 162 Conn. 77, 82-83, 291 A.2d 715 (1971); and (2) irrelevant evidence is inadmissible. Williams Ford, Inc. v. Hartford Courant Co., 232 Conn. 559, 569, 657 A.2d 212 (1995); see State v. Mastropetre, 175 Conn. 512, 521, 400 A.2d 276 (1978).

Reference in Section 4-2 to the federal and state constitutions includes judicially created remedies designed to preserve constitutional rights, such as the exclusionary rule. See State v. Marsala, 216 Conn. 150, 161, 579 A.2d 58 (1990) (construing exclusionary rule under Connecticut constitution).