# N.C. R. Evid. 103: Rule 103. Rulings on evidence

> North Carolina · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R103

## Section

- **Citation:** N.C. R. Evid. 103
- **Heading:** Rule 103. Rulings on evidence
- **Jurisdiction:** North Carolina
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** North Carolina Court Rules / North Carolina Rules of Evidence / N.C. R. Evid. 103

## Text

(a) Effect of erroneous ruling. - Error may not be predicated upon a ruling which admits or excludes evidence unless a substantial right of the party is affected, and
(1) Objection. - In case the ruling is one admitting evidence, a timely objection or motion to strike appears of record. No particular form is required in order to preserve the right to assert the alleged error upon appeal if the motion or objection clearly presented the alleged error to the trial court;
(2) Offer of proof. - In case the ruling is one excluding evidence, the substance of the evidence was made known to the court by offer or was apparent from the context within which questions were asked.
Once the court makes a definitive ruling on the record admitting or excluding evidence, either at or before trial, a party need not renew an objection or offer of proof to preserve a claim of error for appeal.
(b) Record of offer and ruling. - The court may add any other or further statement which shows the character of the evidence, the form in which it was offered, the objection made, and the ruling thereon. It may direct the making of an offer in question and answer form.
(c) Hearing of jury. - In jury cases, proceedings shall be conducted, to the extent practicable, so as to prevent inadmissible evidence from being suggested to the jury by any means, such as making statements or offers of proof or asking questions in the hearing of the jury.
(d) Review of errors where justice requires. - Notwithstanding the requirements of subdivision (a) of this rule, an appellate court may review errors affecting substantial rights if it determines, in the interest of justice, it is appropriate to do so. (1983, c. 701, s. 1; 2003-101, s. 1; 2006-264, s. 30.5.)

## Nearby sections

- [N.C. R. Evid. 101 Rule 101. Scope](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R101.md)
- [N.C. R. Evid. 102 Rule 102. Purpose and construction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R102.md)
- [N.C. R. Evid. 103 Rule 103. Rulings on evidence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R103.md)
- [N.C. R. Evid. 104 Rule 104. Preliminary questions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R104.md)
- [N.C. R. Evid. 105 Rule 105. Limited admissibility](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R105.md)
- [N.C. R. Evid. 106 Rule 106. Remainder of or related writings or recorded statements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R106.md)
- [N.C. R. Evid. 201 Rule 201. Judicial notice of adjudicative facts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R201.md)
- [N.C. R. Evid. 301 Rule 301. Presumptions in general in civil actions and proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R301.md)
- [N.C. R. Evid. 302 Rule 302. Applicability of federal law in civil actions and proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R302.md)
- [N.C. R. Evid. 401 Rule 401. Definition of "relevant evidence."](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R401.md)
- [N.C. R. Evid. 402 Rule 402. Relevant evidence generally admissible; irrelevant evidence inadmissible](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R402.md)
- [N.C. R. Evid. 403 Rule 403. Exclusion of relevant evidence on grounds of prejudice, confusion, or waste of time](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R403.md)
- [N.C. R. Evid. 404 Rule 404. Character evidence not admissible to prove conduct; exceptions; other crimes](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R404.md)
- [N.C. R. Evid. 405 Rule 405. Methods of proving character](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R405.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_NC_NCRE_R103. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.