Legal Definitions - multiple admissibility

Definition: Multiple admissibility refers to the rule that a piece of evidence may be inadmissible under one rule for the purpose given in offering it, but it can still be admissible if relevant and offered for some other purpose not forbidden by the rules of evidence.

For example, a defendant's prior criminal record may be inadmissible as evidence of guilt in a trial, but it may be admissible to impeach the defendant's credibility as a witness. Similarly, hearsay evidence may be inadmissible to prove the truth of the matter asserted, but it may be admissible to show the effect it had on the listener.

Multiple admissibility allows for flexibility in the use of evidence in a trial, as long as it is relevant and offered for a permissible purpose. It is important for attorneys to understand the different rules of admissibility and how they can use evidence to support their case.