Offers of Proof

• Library: Objections Guidebook (2022 Ed.)

Offers of Proof

· If the court is excluding your evidence (or questions, etc.), you must make an offer of proof to show what your evidence (or questions, etc.) would be.

· Many issues are forfeited (waived) on appeal because no offer of proof, or an inadequate offer of proof, was made.

Offer of Proof Must Show

· What the evidence will be.

· The purpose and object of the evidence.

· Each fact essential to establishing the admissibility of the evidence, including relevancy and materiality.

· Sources: State v. Tisius, 92 S.W.3d 751, 767–68 (Mo. banc 2002); Terry v. Mossie, 59 S.W.3d 611, 612 (Mo. App. W.D...