How may character be proven under Rule 405?

• A. By handwriting samples.
• B. By reputation or opinion evidence; if allowed, specific instances of conduct may be used to prove a specific character trait when permitted.
• C. By direct examination only.
• D. By records of conviction.

Answer: (B)

Rule 405 allows proving a person’s character through reputation and opinion evidence. If the character trait is at issue and the court so allows, you may also use specific instances of conduct to prove that trait, but only on cross-examination or under the circumstances permitted by the rule. In practice, you’d present a witness’ general reputation or opinion about the person’s character, and you may question about specific past acts on cross-examination if character is an essential element of the claim or defense. Handwriting samples and records of conviction aren’t the methods Rule 405 uses to prove character, and character evidence isn’t limited to direct examination only.