Indiana Mock Trial Rules

Key Differences from Federal Rules of Evidence

• Indiana adopted the Daubert standard for expert testimony under Ind. R. Evid. 702(b), requiring scientific reliability analysis
• Ind. R. Evid. 404(b) requires the prosecution to provide reasonable notice of intent to use other-acts evidence upon request
• Indiana Rule 803(3) state-of-mind exception is more restrictive than the FRE, excluding statements of memory or belief to prove the fact remembered

Notable Rules

Key Features

• Indiana uses a unified trial court system with Superior Courts and Circuit Courts sharing general jurisdiction
• Alternative dispute resolution is encouraged; courts may order mediation in civil cases
• Indiana permits extensive attorney-conducted voir dire with for-cause and peremptory challenges

• Civil juries consist of 6 jurors; verdict requires concurrence of at least 5 of 6
• Criminal felony cases require 12 jurors with unanimous verdicts; misdemeanor cases may use 6 jurors
• Parties in civil cases may stipulate to fewer than 6 jurors