irrelevant
Irrelevant refers to evidence or material that has no logical connection to the matter in controversy in a legal proceeding. In both civil and criminal cases, irrelevance is a common basis for a motion to strike or an objection.
Under Federal Rules of Evidence 401, evidence is relevant if:
- “(a) it has any tendency to make a fact more or less probable than it would be without the evidence; and
- (b) the fact is of consequence in determining the action.”
Evidence failing to meet these criteria is considered irrelevant and inadmissible under Rule 402.
Irrelevant material may be removed from pleadings under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(f), which allows a court to strike “redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter.” During trial, attorneys may object to the admission of irrelevant evidence, and such objections must be made timely. Failure to object can result in the evidence being admitted and may waive the issue for appeal.
[Last reviewed in October of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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