Methods of Proving Character

(a) Reputation, Opinion, or Conviction of Crime. When evidence of a person’s character or character trait is admissible, it may be proved by evidence of the person’s reputation, evidence in the form of opinion, or evidence of conviction of a crime which tends to prove the character or trait. Specific instances of conduct not the subject of a conviction of a crime shall be inadmissible under this paragraph. (b) 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 specific instances of the person’s conduct. NOTE : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraphs (a) and (b) captions and text amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020.