Character Evidence Generally: A Comprehensive Guide for Law Students

Question 1

When is character evidence considered admissible to establish a person's motive for an act?

Accepted Answer

When the motive is relevant to the charged offense

Answer

When the motive is corroborated by other evidence

Answer

When the motive is a material element of the charged offense

Answer

When the motive is part of the res gestae

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of Federal Rule of Evidence 403?

Accepted Answer

To exclude evidence that is more prejudicial than probative

Answer

To exclude evidence that is irrelevant

Answer

To exclude evidence that is privileged

Answer

To exclude evidence that is hearsay

Question 3

Which of the following factors is NOT considered in the Rule 403 balancing test?

Accepted Answer

The character of the accused

Answer

The probative value of the evidence

Answer

The prejudicial effect of the evidence

Answer

The availability of other evidence

Question 4

Under what circumstances is a party permitted to introduce evidence of their own good character?

Accepted Answer

In response to the introduction of evidence of bad character by the opposing party

Answer

As part of their case-in-chief

Answer

After the judge instructs the jury on the law

Answer

They are never permitted to do so

Question 5

Which type of character evidence is considered inadmissible?

Accepted Answer

Propensity evidence

Answer

Reputation evidence

Answer

Opinion evidence

Answer

Habit evidence

Question 6

What is the primary distinction between reputation evidence and opinion evidence?

Accepted Answer

Reputation evidence is based on what others say about a person, while opinion evidence is based on the witness's own observations

Answer

Reputation evidence is admissible to prove a person's character, while opinion evidence is not

Answer

Opinion evidence is more reliable than reputation evidence

Answer

There is no distinction between reputation evidence and opinion evidence

Question 7

In which scenario may a witness provide opinion evidence about a person's character?

Accepted Answer

If the witness has substantial and firsthand knowledge of the person

Answer

If the witness is a qualified expert

Answer

If the witness is a law enforcement officer

Answer

If the witness is a family member

Question 8

According to the general rule of inadmissibility in criminal cases, character evidence is:

Accepted Answer

Generally inadmissible to prove a defendant's propensity to commit the crime charged.

Answer

Always admissible to prove a defendant's propensity to commit the crime charged.

Answer

Admissible to prove a defendant's propensity to commit the crime charged if it is offered by the defendant.

Answer

Admissible to prove a defendant's propensity to commit the crime charged if it is offered by the prosecution.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT listed as a method of proving a person's character under the Federal Rules of Evidence?

Accepted Answer

Evidence of religious beliefs

Answer

Reputation evidence

Answer

Opinion evidence

Answer

Specific instances of conduct

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a valid purpose for using character evidence?

Accepted Answer

To prove causation

Answer

To impeach a witness

Answer

To establish motive

Answer

To support a claim of self-defense

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a valid purpose for admitting character evidence?

Accepted Answer

To prove guilt or innocence

Answer

To prove action in conformity

Answer

To impeach witness credibility

Answer

To establish victim fault in a criminal case

Question 12

In an assault prosecution, the defendant seeks to introduce evidence of prior threats made by the victim. This evidence is admissible:

Accepted Answer

Only if it shows the defendant's state of mind

Answer

Only if the defendant was aware of the threats

Answer

Only if the defendant acted in self-defense

Answer

Only if the victim's character was raised by the defendant

Question 13

Reputation testimony is subject to which limitation?

Accepted Answer

The witness must have personal knowledge

Answer

The witness must have known the person for five years

Answer

The witness must be a community member

Answer

The evidence must show a good reputation

Question 14

In a rape prosecution, the defendant seeks to introduce evidence of the victim's prior sexual history. This evidence is:

Accepted Answer

Inadmissible

Answer

Admissible without limitation

Answer

Admissible only if the defendant knew of the history

Answer

Admissible only if the victim's character is at issue

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a purpose for which reputation or opinion evidence regarding a person's character is admissible?

Accepted Answer

To prove a person's conduct on a specific occasion

Answer

To prove a person's character for a trait of character that is an essential element of a claim or defense

Answer

To prove a person's reputation in the community

Answer

To prove a witness's bias or motive

Question 16

When character evidence is admitted, the jury is instructed to:

Accepted Answer

Weigh it against all other evidence in the case

Answer

Consider it as conclusive proof of the person's character

Answer

Use it only to determine the person's propensity to commit crimes

Answer

Give it more weight than other types of evidence

Question 17

Which hearsay exception allows character evidence to be admitted?

Accepted Answer

Character evidence in criminal cases

Answer

Present sense impression

Answer

Excited utterance

Answer

Dying declaration

Question 18

According to the general rule in the United States, is character evidence generally admissible or inadmissible to prove a person's actions?

Accepted Answer

Inadmissible

Answer

Admissible

Question 19

Which of the following factors is NOT considered by courts when determining whether to admit evidence of a person's character?

Accepted Answer

The age of the person whose character is being offered into evidence.

Answer

The likelihood that the evidence will be misleading or confusing.

Answer

The importance of the evidence to the case.

Answer

The similarity of the person's past conduct to the conduct at issue in the trial.

Question 20

True or False: Evidence of a person's character is admissible to prove that they will likely commit a crime in the future.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a type of specific instance evidence that is admissible to prove a person's character?

Accepted Answer

Evidence of a person's religious beliefs.

Answer

Evidence of a person's prior convictions.

Answer

Evidence of a person's political affiliations.

Answer

Evidence of a person's military service.

Question 22

Improved: According to the general rule, when is character evidence inadmissible in court?

Accepted Answer

Improved: Except in specific exceptions.

Answer

To prove a person's character.

Answer

To prove a person acted in conformity with their character.

Answer

To prove a person's reputation.

Question 23

Which of the following is **not** a type of character evidence?

Accepted Answer

Improved: Physical evidence

Answer

Opinion evidence

Answer

Reputation evidence

Answer

Habit evidence

Question 24

What is the key distinction between reputation evidence and opinion evidence?

Accepted Answer

Improved: Reputation evidence is based on others' opinions, while opinion evidence comes from the witness's observations.

Answer

Opinion evidence is based on others' opinions, while reputation evidence comes from the witness's observations.

Answer

There is no distinction between reputation and opinion evidence.

Answer

Reputation evidence is admissible to prove a person's character, while opinion evidence is not.

Question 25

When is habit evidence admissible in court?

Accepted Answer

Improved: To demonstrate a person's consistent behavior in accordance with their habit

Answer

To prove a person's character

Answer

To impeach a witness

Answer

To prove a specific act

Question 26

Which of the following accurately states the general rule regarding the admissibility of character evidence?

Accepted Answer

Character evidence is generally inadmissible to prove a person acted in conformity with their character.

Answer

Character evidence is invariably admissible.

Answer

Character evidence is admissible only in criminal cases.

Answer

Character evidence is admissible only in civil cases.

Question 27

When is evidence of a person's bad character admissible to prove guilt?

Accepted Answer

When the defendant has put their character in issue.

Answer

Never.

Answer

Only in murder cases.

Answer

When the defendant has a prior conviction for the same crime.

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for the admission of evidence of a person's character for propensity?

Accepted Answer

The evidence must be more prejudicial than probative.

Answer

The evidence must be relevant to the crime charged.

Answer

The evidence must be admissible under Rule 404(b).

Answer

The evidence must relate to a specific trait.

Question 29

Which of the following is an example of direct evidence of a person's character?

Accepted Answer

Testimony from someone who has personally observed the person's behavior.

Answer

Testimony from someone who has heard about the person's reputation in the community.

Answer

Evidence of the person's prior convictions.

Answer

Evidence of the person's membership in a particular organization.

Question 30

What is the primary purpose of the character evidence rule for impeachment?

Accepted Answer

To allow the jury to assess a witness's credibility.

Answer

To allow the jury to consider a defendant's character in determining their guilt.

Answer

To allow a defendant to present good character evidence to rebut the prosecution's case.

Answer

To allow the prosecution to present bad character evidence of the defendant to prove guilt.

Question 31

Besides evidence of a person's habit, which of the following is an exception to the general rule of inadmissibility of character evidence?

Accepted Answer

Evidence of a person's character to prove action in conformity therewith

Answer

Evidence of a person's opinion

Answer

Evidence of a person's prior bad acts

Answer

Evidence of a person's good character

Question 32

According to FRE 404(b), when is evidence of a defendant's uncharged misconduct admissible?

Accepted Answer

If its relevance significantly exceeds its potential to prejudice the defendant and satisfies the other criteria of FRE 403

Answer

To demonstrate the defendant's tendency to commit crimes

Answer

When the misconduct resembles the charged offense

Question 33

Under the doctrine of "opening the door," character evidence may be admitted if:

Accepted Answer

The opposing party has introduced character evidence of the same type

Answer

The defendant has stipulated to the evidence

Answer

The court finds that the evidence is highly probative

Question 34

Which of the following is a factor that a court may consider when determining whether to admit character evidence?

Accepted Answer

The probative value of the evidence

Answer

The defendant's socioeconomic status

Answer

The age of the defendant

Question 35

The rule against character evidence is based on the concern that such evidence:

Accepted Answer

May unfairly prejudice the jury

Answer

May confuse the jury

Answer

Is irrelevant

Answer

Is unreliable

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a type of character evidence?

Accepted Answer

Opinion

Answer

Habit

Answer

Specific instances of conduct

Answer

Reputation

Question 37

Under the Federal Rules of Evidence, specific instances of a person's conduct are admissible to prove character if:

Accepted Answer

They are offered for a purpose other than proving action in conformity therewith

Answer

They are similar to the charged offense

Answer

They occurred within the past five years

Question 38

Evidence of a person's character for peacefulness is admissible in a criminal case to:

Accepted Answer

Rebut evidence of the person's violent character

Answer

Prove the person's guilt of the crime charged

Answer

Establish the person's credibility as a witness

Answer

Demonstrate the person's propensity to commit crimes

Question 39

Under the rule of completeness, when evidence of a person's character is admissible, which of the following may also be admissible?

Accepted Answer

Relevant specific instances of conduct

Answer

Past criminal convictions are automatically admissible

Answer

General reputation is always inadmissible

Question 40

Evidence of a victim's sexual conduct is generally inadmissible in a criminal case involving a sexual offense. However, which of the following is an exception to this rule?

Accepted Answer

It is offered to prove the victim's past sexual behavior with the defendant

Answer

It is offered to prove the victim's propensity to engage in sexual conduct

Answer

It is offered to prove the victim's general reputation for promiscuity

Question 41

Evidence of a criminal defendant's prior bad acts is generally inadmissible. Which of the following is an exception to this rule?

Accepted Answer

Evidence of prior bad acts is admissible to prove the defendant's motive, intent, or absence of mistake

Answer

Evidence of prior bad acts is admissible to prove the defendant's general reputation for bad character

Question 42

Under the propensity inference, evidence of a person's prior bad acts is admissible to prove:

Accepted Answer

The person's propensity to commit crimes similar to the crime charged

Answer

The person's general reputation for bad character

Answer

The person's lack of propensity to commit crimes

Question 43

Under the rule of completeness, when a party introduces evidence of a witness's prior inconsistent statement, which of the following may the opposing party introduce?

Accepted Answer

Any other statements made by the witness that are relevant to the witness's credibility

Answer

Only the witness's prior bad acts

Answer

Only the witness's prior consistent statements

Question 44

What is the primary function of Federal Rule of Evidence 405?

Accepted Answer

To limit the admissibility of character evidence to specific instances and contexts

Answer

To exclude character evidence from all trials

Answer

To allow the admission of character evidence for any purpose

Question 45

In a criminal trial, the prosecution seeks to introduce evidence that the defendant has a history of violent behavior. The defense objects, arguing that this evidence is inadmissible character evidence. Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY reason the court would admit this evidence?

Accepted Answer

The evidence is being offered to prove the defendant acted in conformity therewith, specifically, to show that he acted violently in the charged crime.

Answer

The evidence is being offered to prove the defendant's character is violent, which is admissible to show he is more likely to have committed the charged crime.

Answer

The evidence is being offered to show the defendant's propensity for violent behavior, which is always admissible in criminal cases.

Question 46

In a civil trial for negligence, the plaintiff seeks to introduce evidence that the defendant has received multiple speeding tickets in the past. Which of the following BEST describes the admissibility of this evidence?

Accepted Answer

The evidence is likely inadmissible, as it is character evidence offered to prove the defendant acted in conformity therewith.

Answer

The evidence is admissible, as it shows the defendant was speeding on the day of the accident.

Question 47

A defendant in a criminal trial is accused of robbery. The prosecution seeks to introduce evidence that the defendant has a prior conviction for theft. Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY reason the court would allow the admission of this prior conviction?

Accepted Answer

To impeach the defendant's credibility if the defendant testifies at trial.

Answer

To show the defendant's propensity for committing crimes, specifically robbery.

Answer

To prove the defendant committed the charged crime.

Question 48

A plaintiff sues a defendant for breach of contract. The defendant seeks to introduce evidence that the plaintiff has a reputation for dishonesty. Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY outcome of the defendant's attempt to introduce this evidence?

Accepted Answer

The evidence is likely inadmissible, as it is character evidence offered to prove the plaintiff's general character, which is not relevant to the breach of contract claim.

Answer

The evidence is admissible as it relates to the plaintiff's likelihood to have breached the contract.

Question 49

Which of the following statements BEST describes the general rule regarding the admissibility of character evidence?

Accepted Answer

Character evidence is generally inadmissible to prove that a person acted in conformity with their character.

Answer

Character evidence is always admissible in criminal cases, but not in civil cases.

Question 50

A defendant in a criminal trial is accused of assault. The prosecution seeks to introduce evidence that the defendant has a prior conviction for disorderly conduct. The defense objects, arguing that the evidence is inadmissible character evidence.  Which of the following is MOST LIKELY the court's ruling?

Accepted Answer

The court would likely exclude the evidence, as the prior conviction for disorderly conduct does not directly relate to the current charge of assault, and its admission could unfairly prejudice the defendant.

Answer

The court would likely admit the evidence, as it shows the defendant has a propensity for violent behavior.

Question 51

In a civil case for defamation, the plaintiff seeks to introduce evidence that the defendant has a reputation for lying.  Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY outcome of the plaintiff's attempt to introduce this evidence?

Accepted Answer

The evidence is likely inadmissible, as it is character evidence offered to prove the defendant's general character, which is not relevant to the defamation claim.

Answer

The court may allow the evidence as it supports the claim that the defendant made false statements.

Question 52

A defendant in a criminal trial is accused of theft. The defense seeks to introduce evidence that the defendant is a law-abiding citizen with a strong work ethic. Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY reason the court would allow the admission of this evidence?

Accepted Answer

To rebut the prosecution's claim that the defendant committed the charged crime.

Answer

To prove the defendant's innocence, as good character evidence shows the defendant is unlikely to have committed the charged crime.

Answer

To show the defendant's good character, which can be used to impeach the prosecution's witnesses.

Question 53

A plaintiff sues a defendant for battery. The plaintiff seeks to introduce evidence that the defendant has a history of physical violence against others. Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY outcome of the plaintiff's attempt to introduce this evidence?

Accepted Answer

The evidence will likely be admitted, as it relates to the defendant's propensity for violence and can be used to prove the defendant acted in conformity therewith.

Answer

The evidence will likely be excluded, as character evidence is generally inadmissible.

Question 54

A defendant in a criminal trial is accused of murder. The prosecution seeks to introduce evidence that the defendant has previously been convicted of manslaughter.  Which of the following is MOST LIKELY the court's ruling regarding the admissibility of this prior conviction?

Accepted Answer

The court would likely admit the evidence as it is relevant to show the defendant's propensity for violence and therefore his likely guilt in the murder charge.

Answer

The court would likely exclude the evidence, as character evidence is always inadmissible in criminal cases.