In Ohio, what is the requirement for introducing extrinsic evidence of bias?

In Ohio, the requirement for introducing extrinsic evidence of bias is that no need for a foundation is necessary. This means that a party can present evidence of a witness's bias or interest in the outcome of the case without first having to establish a foundational basis for that evidence through the witness's own testimony. The rationale for this exception is rooted in the principle that bias is a critical factor in evaluating a witness's credibility. Therefore, it can be introduced directly, allowing the jury to assess it as part of their overall evaluation of the witness's reliability and the weight of their testimony.

While other factors such as relevance are indeed important in the broader context of admissibility, the specific rule in Ohio eliminates the necessity of laying a foundational groundwork before presenting evidence of bias, streamlining the process for admitting such evidence. This serves to reinforce the idea that bias can affect testimony, making it particularly pertinent to the interests of justice.