United States v. Abel (1984)
- Docket
- 83-935
- Decided
- 1984-01-01
Summary
Question: Did the evidence regarding respondent’s and Mills’ membership in a prison gang unfairly impeach Mills and prejudice respondent by association? Conclusion: No. Justice William H. Rehnquist delivered the unanimous opinion, in which the Court held that the evidence of bias introduced for purposes of impeachment is admissible under the Federal Rules of Evidence. Relevant evidence is that which has the tendency to make the existence of any fact more or less probable. The Court determined that a showing of bias on the part of a witness would have a tendency to make the facts to which they testify less probable and is therefore relevant. Furthermore, the district court ensured the admission of only the highly probative evidence about the men’s involvement in the Brotherhood and sustained objections relating to the punishment of unfaithful members and other topics that might have been prejudicial.