Under MRE 412, evidence relating to a victim's sexual behavior or predisposition is generally not admissible, and motions discussing such evidence must be sealed. Which statement is true about this rule?

• A. It governs admissibility of such evidence and requires sealing motions
• B. It governs attorney-client privilege
• C. It governs authentication of evidence
• D. It governs hearsay exceptions

Answer: (A)

MRE 412 is a rape shield rule that limits evidence about a victim’s sexual behavior or predisposition to prevent prejudice against the victim. The rule mainly governs whether such evidence can be admitted and, importantly, requires that motions dealing with this type of evidence be sealed to protect the victim’s privacy. This is the statement that best captures the rule’s purpose and scope. It isn’t about attorney-client privilege, authentication, or hearsay; those areas are addressed by other rules, so they don’t fit this rule’s focus.