When do the Federal Rules of Evidence apply?

• A. During pretrial discovery.
• B. During grand jury proceedings.
• C. During plea negotiations.
• D. Only at trial.

Answer: (D)

The Federal Rules of Evidence govern what evidence is admissible at trial, where a judge decides what can be presented to determine guilt or liability. They are designed to govern the handling and admissibility of evidence in the actual adjudication, not in earlier stages of the case. Because discovery procedures, grand jury proceedings, and plea negotiations occur before or outside the trial itself, they follow other rules and standards. So these rules apply when the case reaches trial, to determine which items of evidence can be admitted and how witnesses may testify.