Rule 401. makes no distinction between relevancy and materiality. The

concept of materiality is merged into the concept of relevancy and retains no

independent viability. Evidence is relevant if it is likely to affect the probability of

a fact of consequence in the case. Mississippi State Highway Commission v. Dixie

Contractors, Inc., 375 So. 2d 1202, appeal after remand 402 So. 2d 811 (1979). If

the evidence has any probative value at all, the rule favors its admission. Such has

been the experience under Federal Rule of Evidence 401 which is identical to this

rule. Young v. Illinois Cent. Gulf R. Co., 618 F.2d 332 (5th Cir. 1980). Evidence to

prove a collateral fact is relevant if the collateral fact has a tendency to prove or

disprove an issue in the case. American Potash & Chemical Corp. v. Nevins, 163

So. 2d 224, 249 Miss. 450 (1964).

[“Advisory Committee Note” substituted for “Comment,” effective June 16, 2016;

amended July 1, 2016, to note restyling.]