The seventh basic concept is Judicial notice (MRE/FRE 201). This device allows the acceptance of facts as true without formal evidence. Sometimes there is absolutely no evidence, and other times there is reference to some authoritative source (e.g., an encyclopedia). The two touchstones for this shortcut are:
1. Generally known in the area.
2. Capable of accurate and readily available determination.
Judicial notice is often used for facts relating to pleadings and proceedings in other cases, public records, geographic matters, statistical and historical matters, religious and political matters, and–once firmly established in prior cases–scientific principles and bases for accepted scientific tests.