Character Evidence to Impeach a Witness: A Comprehensive Guide for Law Students

Question 1

In witness impeachment, what's the general rule for admitting character evidence?

Accepted Answer

Only if it's relevant to the witness's credibility

Answer

Only if offered by the party that called the witness

Answer

Only if presented through reputation or opinion testimony

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a permissible purpose for introducing character evidence to impeach a witness?

Accepted Answer

To bolster the credibility of the witness.

Answer

To show that the witness has a bad moral character.

Answer

To show that the witness has a motive to lie.

Answer

To show that the witness has a history of dishonesty.

Question 3

When is extrinsic evidence of a witness's prior criminal convictions admissible to impeach the witness in federal court?

Accepted Answer

When the witness is convicted of a misdemeanor involving dishonesty or false statement.

Answer

When the witness is convicted of a felony.

Answer

When the witness is convicted of any crime.

Answer

Never.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of the "bad acts" rule?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the jury from hearing prejudicial evidence that is not relevant to the witness's credibility.

Answer

To protect the witness from being unfairly attacked on collateral matters.

Answer

To prevent the trial from becoming too lengthy and complex.

Answer

To ensure that the jury has a complete picture of the witness's character.

Question 5

Impeachment of a witness with character evidence is permissible:

Accepted Answer

At any time during the trial

Answer

Only during cross-examination

Answer

Only after the witness has testified on direct examination

Answer

Only if the witness is a party to the case

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a recognized method to impeach a witness's credibility using character evidence?

Accepted Answer

Proof of a witness's religious beliefs

Answer

Proof of a prior conviction of a crime involving dishonesty or false statement

Answer

Proof of reputation in the community for untruthfulness

Answer

Proof of specific instances of conduct that demonstrate untruthfulness

Question 7

Under Rule 608(b) of the Federal Rules of Evidence, which of the following is NOT a permissible basis for attacking the character of a witness for truthfulness?

Accepted Answer

Proof of the witness's prior inconsistent statements

Answer

Proof of prior convictions of crimes involving dishonesty or false statement

Answer

Proof of a reputation in the community for dishonesty or false statement

Answer

Proof of specific instances of conduct that demonstrate untruthfulness

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT an exception to the general prohibition against admitting evidence of a witness's specific instances of conduct?

Accepted Answer

The evidence is offered to prove the witness's reputation for dishonesty or false statement

Answer

The evidence is offered to prove motive

Answer

The evidence is offered to prove intent

Answer

The evidence is offered to prove habit

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT an admissible method of impeaching a witness with character evidence?

Accepted Answer

Providing expert testimony regarding the witness's general character traits, rather than specific instances of conduct or reputation

Answer

Introducing evidence of specific instances of conduct relevant to a character trait

Answer

Offering opinion testimony from a witness who knows the witness' reputation in the community regarding a relevant character trait

Answer

Introducing evidence of a criminal conviction that is relevant to a character trait for truthfulness or dishonesty

Question 10

Which of the following is an exception to the rule that opinion testimony about a witness's character is inadmissible?

Accepted Answer

When the witness has personal knowledge of the witness's reputation in the community regarding a relevant character trait

Answer

When the witness is an expert on character

Answer

When the witness is testifying about the witness's own character

Answer

When a law enforcement officer testifies about the witness's reputation for truthfulness or dishonesty

Question 11

True or False: A conviction for a crime involving dishonesty or false statement is always admissible to impeach a witness's credibility for truthfulness.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a permissible purpose for introducing evidence of a witness's bad character?

Accepted Answer

To prove that the witness committed a crime charged in the case

Answer

To rebut evidence of good character

Answer

To impeach the witness's credibility

Answer

To show motive or intent

Question 13

True or False: The rules governing the admissibility of character evidence to impeach a witness are the same in both civil and criminal cases.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 14

Under Rule 608(a) of the Federal Rules of Evidence, which of the following is NOT a permissible purpose for introducing character evidence?

Accepted Answer

To prove that a witness lacks truthfulness

Answer

To demonstrate that a witness has a propensity for dishonesty or untruthfulness

Answer

To demonstrate that a witness is untrustworthy

Answer

To impeach a witness's credibility by establishing a prior conviction for a crime involving dishonesty or false statement

Question 15

According to Rule 608(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Evidence, which of the following is a general requirement for admitting evidence of a witness's reputation for truthfulness or untruthfulness?

Accepted Answer

The evidence must be offered through the testimony of a witness who is familiar with the defendant's reputation within the community.

Answer

The evidence must be offered by the opposing party.

Answer

The evidence must be offered through cross-examination of the witness.

Answer

The evidence must be in the form of a written statement signed by the witness.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a method for impeaching a witness's credibility by demonstrating a propensity for dishonesty or untruthfulness?

Accepted Answer

Introducing evidence of a witness's prior threats or acts of violence

Answer

Introducing evidence of a prior conviction for a crime involving dishonesty or false statement

Answer

Introducing evidence of a witness's reputation for dishonesty or untruthfulness

Answer

Introducing evidence of a witness's prior inconsistent statements

Question 17

What is the purpose of the Rule 403 balancing test when determining the admissibility of character evidence to impeach a witness?

Accepted Answer

To determine whether the probative value of the evidence outweighs its prejudicial effect

Answer

To determine whether the evidence is relevant to the witness's character for truthfulness

Answer

To determine whether the evidence is more likely to confuse than enlighten the jury

Answer

To determine whether the witness has a valid privilege against self-incrimination

Question 18

Can a witness be impeached based on their religious beliefs?

Accepted Answer

No, unless the witness's religious beliefs are directly relevant and inconsistent with their testimony

Answer

Yes, because religious beliefs are relevant to a witness's credibility

Answer

No, because religious beliefs are protected by the First Amendment

Answer

Yes, but only if the witness testifies about their religious beliefs

Question 19

Which of the following is a fundamental requirement for admitting character evidence to impeach a witness?

Accepted Answer

The character trait must be pertinent to assessing the witness's credibility.

Answer

The witness must have testified about their own character.

Answer

The evidence must be provided by a witness personally acquainted with the witness's character.

Answer

The witness must have been convicted of a crime involving dishonesty.

Question 20

In determining the admissibility of character evidence to impeach a witness for bias, which factor is irrelevant?

Accepted Answer

The availability of other evidence of bias.

Answer

The nature of the bias.

Answer

The strength of the bias.

Answer

The relevance of the bias to the witness's credibility.

Question 21

Evidence of a witness's reputation for dishonesty is primarily admissible for the purpose of:

Accepted Answer

Impeaching the witness's credibility

Answer

Proving the witness's motive or intent

Question 22

Which exception allows for the introduction of specific instances of conduct to prove a witness's character?

Accepted Answer

When the witness has introduced their own character evidence

Answer

When the evidence is offered to support a prior conviction

Question 23

When using reputation evidence to impeach a witness, it must be offered in which form?

Accepted Answer

Testimony of a person with firsthand knowledge of the witness's community reputation

Answer

Testimony of an expert witness who has studied the witness's reputation

Question 24

In comparison to federal courts, state courts generally allow a wider scope of character evidence to challenge a witness's credibility.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a permissible method for impeaching a witness with character evidence under FRE 608(a)?

Accepted Answer

Offering opinion testimony about the witness's character for truthfulness

Answer

Offering evidence of the witness's reputation for being dishonest

Answer

Offering specific instances of conduct to show the witness's character for dishonesty

Question 26

What is the purpose of the "balancing test" used to determine the admissibility of character evidence under FRE 403?

Accepted Answer

To weigh the probative value of the evidence against the prejudicial effect it may have on the jury

Answer

To determine whether the evidence is more prejudicial than probative

Answer

To determine whether the evidence is relevant to the issues in the case

Question 27

Which of the following is a permissible purpose for introducing character evidence under FRE 404(a)(2)?

Accepted Answer

To prove motive, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident

Answer

To show the witness's character for truthfulness or untruthfulness

Answer

To impeach the witness's credibility

Question 28

What is the difference between "specific instances of conduct" and "reputation evidence" in the context of character evidence?

Accepted Answer

Specific instances of conduct are specific acts that a witness has committed, while reputation evidence is the general opinion of the community about a witness's character.

Answer

Specific instances of conduct are admissible to impeach a witness's credibility, while reputation evidence is not.

Question 29

When is character evidence admissible to prove habit?

Accepted Answer

When the habit is relevant to the issues in the case and the habit is sufficiently regular to be a reliable predictor of the person's conduct

Answer

When the habit is relevant to the witness's credibility

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a type of impeachment by contradiction?

Accepted Answer

Impeaching a witness with a prior inconsistent statement that is not under oath

Answer

Impeaching a witness with a prior inconsistent act

Answer

Impeaching a witness with a prior inconsistent statement that is under oath

Question 31

In a criminal case, the prosecution calls a witness to testify that the defendant has a reputation for violence. The defense attorney objects. What is the most likely basis for the objection?

Accepted Answer

The prosecution is using character evidence to show the defendant's propensity for violence, which is inadmissible to prove guilt.

Answer

The prosecution hasn't properly established the witness's knowledge of the defendant's reputation.

Answer

The defendant's character is not relevant to the specific crime charged.

Question 32

A defendant is on trial for assault. The defense calls a witness to testify that the defendant has a reputation for being peaceful. What is the purpose of this evidence?

Accepted Answer

To rebut a prior character attack by the prosecution and suggest the defendant is less likely to have committed the assault.

Answer

To prove the defendant's innocence directly.

Answer

To show the defendant's good character in general.

Question 33

A witness testifies that the defendant has a reputation for being untruthful. Why is this evidence likely admissible?

Accepted Answer

It's admissible character evidence to impeach the defendant's credibility as a witness.

Answer

It's admissible to prove the defendant's propensity to commit the crime.

Answer

It's admissible to show the defendant's bad character in general.

Question 34

A witness is on the stand, and the opposing attorney asks the witness if they have been convicted of a felony. The witness denies it. The opposing attorney then calls a witness to testify that the first witness was indeed convicted of a felony. What is this type of evidence called?

Accepted Answer

Extrinsic evidence of a prior conviction used to impeach the witness's credibility.

Answer

Direct evidence of the witness's bad character.

Answer

Character evidence used to prove propensity.

Answer

Character evidence used to rebut a prior character attack.

Question 35

A witness testifies that the defendant is a known drug dealer. The defense attorney objects. The prosecution argues that the evidence is relevant to show the defendant's motive for committing the crime. What is the most likely outcome of the objection?

Accepted Answer

The objection will likely be sustained because the evidence is inadmissible character evidence, even if it relates to motive.

Answer

The objection will be overruled because the evidence is relevant to the defendant's motive.

Answer

The objection will be sustained because the evidence is hearsay.

Question 36

A witness is testifying about a crime they witnessed. The defense attorney wants to introduce evidence that the witness has been convicted of perjury in the past. What is the most likely legal basis for admitting this evidence?

Accepted Answer

It's admissible to impeach the witness's credibility because it shows a prior conviction for a crime involving dishonesty.

Answer

It's admissible to show the witness's propensity for lying.

Answer

It's admissible to show the witness's bad character in general.

Question 37

A defendant is accused of stealing a car. The prosecution calls a witness who testifies that the defendant has a reputation for being a thief. The defense attorney objects to this testimony. What is the most likely basis for the objection?

Accepted Answer

The prosecution is attempting to use character evidence to prove the defendant's propensity to commit the crime, which is inadmissible.

Answer

The witness's testimony is hearsay.

Answer

The witness's testimony is irrelevant to the issues in the case.

Question 38

A witness testifies that the defendant is a known liar. Which of the following is the primary reason this testimony would be inadmissible?

Accepted Answer

It is impermissible character evidence offered to prove the defendant's propensity to lie.

Answer

It is hearsay because it is an out-of-court statement offered for the truth of the matter asserted.

Answer

It is irrelevant because it does not directly relate to the crime charged.

Question 39

A witness testifies that the defendant was driving recklessly prior to the accident. The defense attorney wants to introduce evidence that the witness has multiple speeding tickets. Which exception to the character evidence rule might apply?

Accepted Answer

Specific instances of conduct showing dishonesty or untruthfulness.

Answer

Reputation evidence for truthfulness or untruthfulness.

Answer

Prior convictions for crimes involving dishonesty or false statements.

Question 40

In a criminal case, the prosecution seeks to introduce evidence that the defendant has a history of violent outbursts. What is the likely outcome of this attempt?

Accepted Answer

The evidence is likely inadmissible because it is character evidence offered to prove the defendant's propensity to commit the crime charged.

Answer

The evidence is admissible because it is relevant to the defendant's state of mind.

Question 41

A witness testifies that the defendant is a known gambler. The defense attorney argues that this testimony should be excluded. Which of the following is the correct basis for the defense's argument?

Accepted Answer

The evidence is inadmissible character evidence offered to prove the defendant's propensity to commit the crime charged.

Answer

The evidence is irrelevant because it does not directly relate to the crime charged.

Question 42

In a sexual assault case, the defendant wants to introduce evidence that the victim has a reputation for promiscuity. What is the likely outcome of this attempt?

Accepted Answer

The evidence is likely inadmissible under the rape shield law, which generally prohibits evidence of the victim's sexual history.

Answer

The evidence is admissible because it is relevant to the victim's character.

Question 43

Which of the following is a primary consideration when determining the admissibility of character evidence?

Accepted Answer

The probative value of the evidence must outweigh the potential for prejudice.

Answer

The evidence must be presented by an expert witness.

Answer

The evidence must be based on personal knowledge.

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a permissible purpose for using character evidence in a trial?

Accepted Answer

To establish the guilt of the defendant.

Answer

To support a claim of self-defense.

Answer

To demonstrate a witness's bias.

Answer

To impeach a witness's credibility.

Question 45

Which of the following types of convictions is generally admissible to impeach a witness?

Accepted Answer

A felony conviction for fraud that is less than 10 years old.

Answer

A misdemeanor conviction for disorderly conduct that is 20 years old.

Answer

A juvenile adjudication for theft.

Question 46

Under the Federal Rule of Evidence 608(b), when are specific instances of conduct admissible to attack a witness's character for truthfulness?

Accepted Answer

On cross-examination, if they are probative of the truthfulness or untruthfulness of the witness or another witness about whom the witness being cross-examined has testified.

Answer

On direct examination, if they are highly probative of the witness's character for truthfulness.

Question 47

What is the purpose of the rape shield law?

Accepted Answer

To protect victims of sexual assault from irrelevant and prejudicial evidence of their sexual history.

Answer

To prevent defendants from introducing evidence of a victim's prior sexual relationships.

Question 48

Which of the following is a key difference between impeaching a witness with a prior conviction versus a prior inconsistent statement?

Accepted Answer

Extrinsic evidence is generally admissible to prove a prior conviction, but not a prior inconsistent statement.

Answer

Prior convictions are admissible for any type of crime, while prior inconsistent statements must relate to the witness's character for truthfulness.

Question 49

The court is considering the admissibility of a defendant's prior conviction for impeachment purposes. Which of the following factors will the court consider?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

The age of the prior conviction.

Answer

The impeachment value of the prior conviction.

Answer

The prejudicial effect of the prior conviction.

Question 50

Which of the following is a potential consequence of impeaching a witness with their prior inconsistent statement?

Accepted Answer

The jury may doubt the witness's credibility.

Answer

The case will be dismissed.

Answer

The witness will be barred from testifying further.

Answer

The prior inconsistent statement will be admitted as substantive evidence of the truth of its contents.

Question 51

What is the primary purpose of using character evidence to impeach a witness?

Accepted Answer

To cast doubt on the witness's credibility and the reliability of their testimony.

Answer

To prove the witness committed the crime for which the defendant is on trial.

Answer

To introduce evidence that would otherwise be inadmissible.