Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Illinois Statutes Chapter 735. Civil Procedure § 5/8-2801. Admissibility of evidence; prior sexual activity or reputation

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

§ 8-2801. Admissibility of evidence; prior sexual activity or reputation.

(a) Evidence generally inadmissible. The following evidence is not admissible in any civil proceeding except as provided in subsections (b) and (c):

(1) evidence offered to prove that any victim engaged in other sexual behavior; or

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

(b) Exceptions.

(1) In a civil case, the following evidence is admissible, if otherwise admissible under this Act:

(A) evidence of specific instances of sexual behavior by the victim offered to prove that a person other than the accused was the source of semen, injury, or other physical evidence; and

(B) evidence of specific instances of sexual behavior by the victim with respect to the person accused of the sexual misconduct offered by the accused to prove consent by the victim.

(c) Procedure to determine admissibility.

(1) A party intending to offer evidence under subsection (b) 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 victim or, when appropriate, the victim's guardian or representative.

(2) Before admitting evidence under this Section 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.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Illinois Statutes Chapter 735. Civil Procedure § 5/8-2801. Admissibility of evidence; prior sexual activity or reputation - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-735-civil-procedure/il-st-sect-735-5-8-2801/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard