Demonstrative of the Evolutionary Development of the Rules of Evidence

Multiple Choice

Demonstrative of the evolutionary development of the rules of evidence is the case of Trammel v. United States, in which the Supreme Court changed the rule regarding the testimony of one spouse against another. In making the change, the Court reasoned that:

A) all witnesses should be permitted to offer their evidence without artificial restraints that cloud the truth.
B) because one spouse was willing to testify against another, there was little marital harmony to preserve.
C) the trial judge should make all decisions regarding the admissibility of evidence without guidance from appellate decisions.
D) because the Supreme Court serves as the final arbiter of all evidentiary issues, it could collectively decide to alter the rules of evidence as it deems necessary.