Hawaii Mock Trial Rules

West

HI · Capital: Honolulu

Evidence Rules

Hawaii Rules of Evidence

Citation: HRE 101–1103

HRE 404(b) places the burden on the prosecution to demonstrate other-acts evidence is relevant to a material fact and its probative value is not substantially outweighed by prejudice (stricter than FRE)
HRE 702 adopts a reliability-focused standard for expert testimony, blending Daubert factors with the state's own case law under State v. Vliet
HRE 803(b)(4) expands the medical diagnosis hearsay exception to include statements made to social workers and counselors in child abuse cases

Rule	Description
HRE 616	Permits evidence of a witness's bias, interest, or motive to be shown by extrinsic evidence without first confronting the witness (broader than FRE approach)
HRE 412	Hawaii's rape shield rule prohibits opinion or reputation evidence of a complainant's sexual conduct; exceptions are limited to prior sexual conduct with the defendant and constitutionally required evidence

Civil Procedure

Haw. R. Civ. P.

Criminal Procedure

Haw. R. Penal P.

Hawaii has a unified state judiciary with Circuit Courts as general jurisdiction trial courts
District Courts handle cases involving amounts under $40,000 and misdemeanors, using bench trials unless jury trial is demanded
Hawaii requires mandatory arbitration for civil cases under $150,000 through the Court Annexed Arbitration Program (CAAP)

Civil Jury Size

Criminal Jury Size

Yes

Unanimity Required

Civil juries consist of 6 jurors in District Court; 12 in Circuit Court. Agreement of all jurors required
Criminal juries consist of 12 jurors for felonies and require unanimous verdicts
Hawaii allows jurors to submit written questions to witnesses with court approval

Experience a realistic courtroom simulation using Hawaii rules and procedures.