# MRE 103: Rule 103. Rulings on Evidence

> Michigan · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R103

## Section

- **Citation:** MRE 103
- **Heading:** Rule 103. Rulings on Evidence
- **Jurisdiction:** Michigan
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Michigan Court Rules / Michigan Rules of Evidence / MRE 103

## Text

(a) Preserving a Claim of Error. A party may claim error in a ruling to admit or exclude evidence
only if the error affects a substantial right of the party and:
(1) if the ruling admits evidence, a party, on the record:
(A) timely objects or moves to strike; and
(B) states the specific ground, unless it was apparent from the context; or
(2) if the ruling excludes evidence, a party informs the court of its substance by an offer of
proof, unless the substance was apparent from the context.
(b) Not Needing to Renew an Objection or Offer of Proof. Once the court rules definitively on
the record—either before or at trial—a party need not renew an objection or offer of proof to
preserve a claim of error for appeal.

effective on 1/28/2026

(c) Court’s Statement About the Ruling; Directing an Offer of Proof. The court may make any
statement about the character or form of the evidence, the objection made, and the ruling. The
court may direct that an offer of proof be made in question-and-answer form.
(d) Preventing the Jury from Hearing Inadmissible Evidence. To the extent practicable, the court
must conduct a jury trial so that inadmissible evidence is not suggested to the jury by any
means.
(e) Taking Notice of Plain Error. A court may take notice of a plain error affecting a substantial
right, even if the claim of error was not properly preserved.

## Nearby sections

- [MRE 101 Rule 101. Scope; Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R101.md)
- [MRE 102 Rule 102. Purpose](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R102.md)
- [MRE 103 Rule 103. Rulings on Evidence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R103.md)
- [MRE 104 Rule 104. Preliminary Questions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R104.md)
- [MRE 105 Rule 105. Limiting Evidence That is Not Admissible Against Other Parties or for Other](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R105.md)
- [MRE 106 Rule 106. Remainder of or Related Writings or Recorded Statements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R106.md)
- [MRE 201 Rule 201. Judicial Notice of Adjudicative Facts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R201.md)
- [MRE 202 Rule 202. Judicial Notice of Law](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R202.md)
- [MRE 301 Rule 301. Presumptions in Civil Cases](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R301.md)
- [MRE 302 Rule 302. Presumptions in Criminal Cases](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R302.md)
- [MRE 401 Rule 401. Test for Relevant Evidence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R401.md)
- [MRE 402 Rule 402. General Admissibility of Relevant Evidence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R402.md)
- [MRE 403 Rule 403. Excluding Relevant Evidence for Prejudice, Confusion, Waste of Time, or Other](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R403.md)
- [MRE 404 Rule 404. Character Evidence; Other Crimes, Wrongs, or Acts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R404.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MI_MRE_R103. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.