AI in Judicial EducationExploratory Project
Article IV. Relevancy and Its Limits

Rule 405. Methods of Proving Character

Effective January 1, 2014

See Rule 405 on the heat map

(a) By Reputation or Opinion.

When evidence of a person's character or character trait is admissible, it may be proved by testimony about the person's reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On cross-examination of the character witness, the court may allow an inquiry into relevant specific instances of the person's conduct. If, in a criminal case, a defendant provides reasonable pretrial notice that the defendant intends to offer character evidence, the prosecution must provide the defendant with any relevant specific instances of conduct that the prosecution may use on cross-examination.

(b) By Specific Instances of Conduct.

When a person's character or character trait is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense, the character or trait may also be proved by relevant specific instances of the person's conduct.

Opinions in this dataset that cite Rule 405

No opinion in this dataset is coded as citing this rule.

Source: the Indiana Rules of Evidence, reproduced for browsing. Rule text as supplied, including the amendment to Rule 103(b) effective July 1, 2026 (Order, Cause No. 26S-MS-8); other rules carry their own effective dates. This is an unofficial copy; check the official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.