Rule · Federal Rules of Evidence
Fed. R. Evid. 405 — Methods of Proving Character
Fed. R. Evid. 405
- Type
- Rule
- Source
- Federal Rules of Evidence
- Jurisdiction
- Federal
- Date
- 2026-10-22
- Current through
- Nov 10, 2026 (Office of the Law Revision Counsel)
(a) By Reputation or Opinion. When evidence of a person’s character or character trait is admissible, it may be proved by testimony about the person’s reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On cross-examination of the character witness, the court may allow an inquiry into relevant specific instances of the person’s conduct. (b) By Specific Instances of Conduct. When a person’s character or character trait is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense, the character or trait may also be proved by relevant specific instances of the person’s conduct.
Citator
Fed. R. Evid. 405 — Methods of Proving Character is in force in the current edition of the Code, and nothing recorded condemns it.
(a) By Reputation or Opinion. When evidence of a person’s character or character trait is admissible, it may be proved by testimony about the person’s reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On cross-examination of the character witness, the court may allow an inquiry into relevant specific instances of the person’s conduct. (b) By Specific Instances of Conduct. When a person’s character or character trait is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense, the character or trait may also be proved by relevant specific instances of the person’s conduct.