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La. Code Evid. art. 405

Methods of proving character

activein force · 1989-01-01 – presentact-effective-date

A. Reputation. Except as provided in Article 412, 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 general reputation only. On cross-examination of the character witness, 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, such as in a prosecution for defamation or when there is a defense of entrapment, proof may also be made of specific instances of his conduct.

C. Foundation. Before a person may be permitted to testify to the reputation of another person, a foundation must be established that the witness is familiar with that reputation.

History

Acts 1988, No. 515, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1989.

Provenance

Source
legis.la.gov
Retrieved
2026-09-15
Edition
2026-09-15
Content hash
b545e90f15b773cab99bc40b320e739bed801209aae20019056c70425144790c
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