SC · rules
SCRE 610
Religious Beliefs or Opinions
Evidence of the beliefs or opinions of a witness on matters of religion is not admissible for the purpose
of showing that by reason of their nature the witness' credibility is impaired or enhanced.
Note:
No changes were made to the language of the federal rule. The South Carolina
Supreme Court has held that a belief in God is not a prerequisite to allowing the
witness to testify. State v. Green, 267 S.C. 599, 230 S.E.2d 618 (1976); State v. Hicks,
257 S.C. 279, 185 S.E.2d 746 (1971). However, in State v. Turner, 36 S.C. 534, 15 S.E.
602 (1892), the State was allowed to question the accused concerning comments
ridiculing religion which he had allegedly made in order to impeach his credibility.
This case is inconsistent with the rule.
Provenance
- Source
- www.sccourts.org
- Retrieved
- 2026-10-02
- Edition
- supplied-sc-04-print-version-2026-10-02
- Content hash
009622284299d1b2cc96c9d0218448cfa168b672b52c13dc0dfddb1c1d4346cf
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