Character Evidence

Question 1

404(a)(1)

Answer 1

Character evidence is not admissible for propensity purposes.

Question 2

404(b)(1)

Answer 2

Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible for propensity purposes.

Question 3

404(a)(2)

Answer 3

Exceptions to the rule prohibiting character evidence for defendant/victim in a criminal case:
(2)(A) defendant may offer evidence of their pertinent trait (after prosecutor can rebut); (B) defendant may offer evidence of victim’s pertinent trait (after prosecutor can rebut); (C) in homicide cases, prosecutor may offer evidence of victim’s character for peacefulness to rebut argument that they were first aggressor

Question 4

404(a)(3)

Answer 4

Exception allowing character evidence to be used to impeach witnesses

Question 5

404(b)(2)

Answer 5

Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts may be admissible for OTHER non-propensity purposes (MIMIC)