Under Rule 615, which statement is true about who may be present in court during witness testimony?

• A. A party who is a natural person may not be excluded
• B. An officer or employee of a party that is not a natural person must always be excluded
• C. A person authorized by statute may never be present
• D. The court must exclude all witnesses unless the judge permits

Answer: (A)

Rule 615 governs sequestration of witnesses, allowing the court to exclude witnesses so they cannot hear other testimony, but it also preserves access for certain people. A party who is a natural person may not be excluded from the courtroom during testimony; they are allowed to stay and participate. This makes the statement true because the rule recognizes the party’s right to be present. The other options misstate the rule: not every officer or employee of a party must always be excluded, and presence can be allowed when necessary to present the case or under statutory allowances; and the court is not compelled to exclude all witnesses in every situation—the rule provides specific, limited exceptions.