# Ohio Evid.R. 103: Rule 103. Rulings on Evidence

> Ohio · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R103

## Section

- **Citation:** Ohio Evid.R. 103
- **Heading:** Rule 103. Rulings on Evidence
- **Jurisdiction:** Ohio
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Ohio Rules of Court / Practice and Procedure / Ohio Rules of Evidence / Ohio Evid.R. 103

## Text

Rulings on Evidence.

(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, stating the specific ground of objection, if the
specific ground was not apparent from the context; or

(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. Offer of proof is not necessary if
evidence is excluded during cross-examination.

Once the court rules definitely 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.

(B)
Record of offer and ruling

At the time of making the 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)
Plain error

Nothing in this rule precludes taking notice of plain errors affecting substantial rights
although they were not brought to the attention of the court.

## Nearby sections

- [Ohio Evid.R. 101 Rule 101. Scope of Rules: Applicability; Privileges; Exceptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R101.md)
- [Ohio Evid.R. 102 Rule 102. Purpose and Construction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R102.md)
- [Ohio Evid.R. 103 Rule 103. Rulings on Evidence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R103.md)
- [Ohio Evid.R. 104 Rule 104. Preliminary Questions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R104.md)
- [Ohio Evid.R. 105 Rule 105. Limited Admissibility](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R105.md)
- [Ohio Evid.R. 106 Rule 106. Remainder of or Related Writings or Recorded Statements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R106.md)
- [Ohio Evid.R. 201 Rule 201. Judicial Notice of Adjudicative Facts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R201.md)
- [Ohio Evid.R. 301 Rule 301. Presumptions in General in Civil Actions and Proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R301.md)
- [Ohio Evid.R. 302 Rule 302. [RESERVED]](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R302.md)
- [Ohio Evid.R. 401 Rule 401. Definition of “Relevant Evidence.”](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R401.md)
- [Ohio Evid.R. 402 Rule 402. Relevant Evidence Generally Admissible; Irrelevant Evidence Inadmissible](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R402.md)
- [Ohio Evid.R. 403 Rule 403. Exclusion of Relevant Evidence on Grounds of Prejudice, Confusion, or Undue Delay](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R403.md)
- [Ohio Evid.R. 404 Rule 404. Character Evidence not Admissible to Prove Conduct; Exceptions; Other Crimes, Wrongs, or Acts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R404.md)
- [Ohio Evid.R. 405 Rule 405. Methods of Proving Character](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R405.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_OH_EVID_R103. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.