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The Judge's Factfinding Rule (In Jury Trials)

Evidence at Trial

Preliminary Facts in Federal Court What attorneys often fail to appreciate is that there are different burdens of proof for a preliminary fact compared to an adjudicative fact. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , 104(b) provides a lower burden of proof. See e.g. , Bourjaily v. United States , 483 U.S.

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Federal Rule of Evidence 702: A Useful Rule (When It's Followed)

Evidence at Trial

Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Another judge, likewise citing Daubert , might admit the opinion because "[v]igorous cross-examination, presentation of contrary evidence, and careful instruction on the burden of proof are the traditional and appropriate means of attacking shaky but admissible evidence." 579, 589 (1993).