Methods of Proving Character By Specific Instances of Conduct.

• A. In any civil case
• B. When the character or trait is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense
• C. Only with expert testimony
• D. Never in a criminal case

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that using specific instances of conduct to prove someone’s character is an allowed exception, not the general rule. You may prove a character trait by specific acts only when that trait itself is an essential element of the charge, claim, or defense. In that narrow situation, evidence of the person’s past conduct can be introduced to establish the trait, and it’s usually done on cross-examination rather than on direct examination. This principle applies in both civil and criminal contexts. Outside of that essential-element scenario, character is generally shown by reputation or opinion, and specific past acts aren’t admissible to prove how someone acted in a particular instance.