Fed. R. Evid. 105 — Limiting Evidence That Is Not Admissible Against Other Parties or for Other Purposes
Plain English
When evidence is admissible for one party or one purpose but not for others, the court—on a timely request—must limit it to its proper scope and tell the jury so. This is the engine behind the limiting instruction.
From the Courtroom
The limiting instruction is a double-edged tool. Ask for it and the judge must give it—but a limiting instruction also spotlights the evidence (“consider this only for X”). Sometimes that helps; sometimes the cure draws more attention than the disease. And you have to ask: the court is not required to give it on its own. It is a tactical call every time.
Key Points & Authority
- On timely request, the court must restrict the evidence to its proper scope and instruct the jury accordingly.
- Applies when evidence is admissible against one party or for one purpose but not another.
- The request is the trigger—no request, no required limiting instruction.
Florida Parallel
Florida Parallel: Fed. R. Evid. 105 corresponds to § 90.107, Fla. Stat. (Limited admissibility). Both require the court, on request, to confine evidence to its proper scope and instruct the jury. Cross-reference is text-only for now; live links added in a later interlinking pass.
About this rule walkthrough
Part of The Evidence Code, hosted by John M. Phillips — Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Court TV analyst, admitted in 8 states + 9 federal districts + SCOTUS.
Free consultation: (904) 444-4444 · About John Phillips
Educational only — not legal advice.
Rule Text (verbatim from the Florida Supreme Court)
If the court admits evidence that is admissible against a party or for a purpose — but not against another party or for another purpose — the court, on timely request, must restrict the evidence to its proper scope and instruct the jury accordingly.
Educational reference. Educational summary of the Federal Rules of Evidence, not legal advice.
What this rule means in plain English
When evidence is admissible for one party or one purpose but not for others, the court—on a timely request—must limit it to its proper scope and tell the jury so. This is the engine behind the limiting instruction.