Under Rule 405(a), when character evidence is admissible, how may it be proved?

• A. By reputation evidence
• B. By testimony in the form of an opinion
• C. By cross-examined behavior
• D. By photographs of the person

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how character evidence can be shown when it’s allowed. Under Rule 405(a), when character evidence is admissible to prove conduct, you may prove the character by either the witness’s general opinion about the person or by the person’s reputation in the community. An opinion testimony is a direct way to express the witness’s assessment of the person’s character, which is exactly what the rule permits in this context. Reputation evidence is another valid method, describing how the person is viewed generally by others.

Cross-examined behavior or specific acts aren’t the methods allowed here under this rule for proving character, and photographs don’t establish character as such. So stating the person’s character in the form of an opinion is a proper and straightforward way to prove it, and that’s why this option is correct. (Note that reputation evidence is also permitted as another valid form under the same rule.)