IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT TO ER 412

) )

ORDER NO. 25700-A-770

     The Washington State Bar Association having recommended the adoption of the proposed amendment to ER 412, and the Court having considered the amendment and comments submitted thereto, and having determined that the proposed amendment will aid in the prompt and orderly administration of justice;

     Now, therefore, it is hereby

     ORDERED:

     (a) That the amendment as attached hereto is adopted.

     (b) That the amendment will be published in the Washington Reports and will become effective September 1, 2003.

     DATED at Olympia, Washington this 12th Day of June 2003.

	Alexander, C. J.
Johnson, J.	Bridge, J.
Madsen, J.	Chambers, J.
	Owens, J.
Ireland, J.	Fairhurst, J.

     (b) Civil Cases; Evidence Generally Inadmissible. The following evidence is not admissible in any civil proceeding involving alleged sexual misconduct except as provided in sections (c) and (d):

     (1) Evidence offered to prove that any alleged victim engaged in other sexual behavior.

     (2) Evidence offered to prove any alleged victim's sexual predisposition.

     (c) Exceptions. In a civil case, evidence offered to prove the sexual behavior or sexual predisposition of any alleged victim is admissible if it is otherwise admissible under these rules and its probative value substantially outweighs the danger of harm to any victim and of unfair prejudice to any party. Evidence of an alleged victim's reputation is admissible only if it has been placed in controversy by the alleged victim.

     (d) Procedure to determine admissibility.

     (1) A party intending to offer evidence under section (c) must:

     (A) file a written motion at least 14 days before trial specifically describing the evidence and stating the purpose for which it is offered unless the court, for good cause, requires a different time for filing or permits filing during trial; and

     (B) serve the motion on all parties and notify the alleged victim or, when appropriate, the alleged victim's guardian or representative.

     (2) Before admitting evidence under this rule the court must conduct a hearing in camera and afford the victim and parties a right to attend and be heard. The motion, related papers, and the record of the hearing must be sealed and remain under seal unless the court orders otherwise.

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the State Supreme Court and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

     Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

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