(a) Reputation or opinion.—In all cases in which evidence of character or a trait of character of a person is admissible, proof may be made by testimony as to reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On cross-examination, inquiry is allowable into relevant specific instances of conduct.
**(b) Specific instances of conduct.—In cases in which character or a trait of character of a person is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense, proof may also be made of specific instances of that person’s conduct.
(As amended Mar. 2, 1987, eff.** Oct. 1, 1987.)
added in current removed in current
Compared to current version (2025).
(a) By Reputation or oOpinion.-In all cases in which When evidence of a person’s character or a trait of character of a personcharacter trait is admissible, proofit may be madeproved by testimony as tobout the person’s reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On cross-examination, inquiry is allowable of the character witness, the court may allow an inquiry into relevant specific instances of the person’s conduct.
(b) By Specific iInstances of cConduct.-In cases in which character or a trait of character of a person When a person’s character or character trait is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense, proof may also be made ofthe character or trait may also be proved by relevant specific instances of thate person’s conduct.
(As amended Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987; Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)