What is relevant evidence in a sexual assault case?

"Except as otherwise provided by statute, all relevant evidence is admissible." (Evid. Code, 351.) " 'Relevant evidence' " is "evidence, including evidence relevant to the credibility of a witness or hearsay declarant, having any tendency in reason to prove or disprove any disputed fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action." (Evid. Code, 210.) A trial court has broad discretion in determining the relevance of evidence, but it lacks discretion to admit irrelevant evidence. (People v. Cowan (2010) 50 Cal.4th 401, 482.) A trial court's ruling on the admission or exclusion of evidence is

Page 16

generally reviewed for abuse of discretion. (People v. Williams (2008) 43 Cal.4th 584, 634-635.)