A trial court has “considerable discretion” regarding the admission or exclusion of evidence. Lozano v. BNSF Ry. Co., 421 S.W.3d 448, 451 (Mo. 2014). An appellate court will typically only overrule a decision on the admission or exclusion of evidence if it is a clear abuse of discretion. The error must “materially affect” the merits…
Legal Articles
Settlement Offer as Evidence, Admissibility
Because the law encourages settlement and compromise, “offers of compromise of an existing controversy are privileged and inadmissible and the offeree may object to testimony as to another’s offer of compromise.” Chase Third Century Leasing Co., Inc. v. Williams, 782 S.W.2d 408, 412 (Mo. Ct. App. 1989). There is at least one prominent exception to…
Improper Admission/Exclusion of Evidence
In trials in Missouri, the Court has “considerable discretion” in the admission or exclusion of evidence, and, absent clear abuse of discretion, its actions will not be grounds for reversal. Cox v. Kansas City Chiefs Football Club, Inc., 473 S.W.3d 107, 114 (Mo. 2015). An abuse of discretion occurs if the decision is “clearly against…