Organizational charts and command structure diagrams are generally admissible as demonstrative evidence to help factfinders understand military relationships and authority. These exhibits fall under MRE 401’s relevance standard and must accurately represent the organizational structure during relevant timeframes. Authentication requires testimony from knowledgeable witnesses familiar with the depicted organization, typically personnel officers, commanders, or administrative specialists who can verify accuracy.
The charts must fairly represent actual command relationships without misleading simplifications or emphasis. Objections often focus on temporal accuracy, inclusion of irrelevant positions, or visual presentation suggesting improper relationships. Charts showing disciplinary authority, rating chains, or communication channels help establish elements in orders violations, fraternization cases, or unlawful command influence claims. Color coding, highlighting, or other emphasis requires justification to avoid prejudicial impact.
Best practices include stipulating to routine organizational charts when possible, reducing trial time and authentication challenges. Complex cases may require multiple charts showing evolving structures or different aspects of command relationships. Digital presentations allow layering information as testimony develops. Judges typically admit properly authenticated charts but may require modifications removing prejudicial elements. The key is ensuring charts clarify rather than confuse military relationships central to understanding charged offenses. Summary charts under MRE 1006 may compile complex organizational data when voluminous records would overwhelm factfinders.