What does "character evidence" refer to?

"Character evidence" refers to information that highlights an individual's reputation or moral qualities. This type of evidence can be used in legal contexts to illustrate a person's character traits, such as honesty, integrity, or propensity to act in a certain manner. In court, character evidence can be pertinent when determining a person's credibility or the likelihood of their behavior in relation to the case at hand.

For instance, in criminal cases, a defendant might introduce character evidence to demonstrate that they are a law-abiding citizen, which may support their defense. Conversely, in cases where character evidence may be considered for impeachment, it can serve to undermine a witness's reliability by calling attention to past behavior or moral standing.

Understanding the scope and application of character evidence is crucial, as it is often governed by specific rules within legal systems, and the way it can be presented or challenged can significantly impact the outcome of a trial.