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Article IV. Relevancy and Its Limits

Rule 412. Sex-Offense Cases: The Victim’s or Witness’s Sexual Behavior or Predisposition

Effective January 1, 2020

See Rule 412 on the heat map

(a) Prohibited Uses.

The following evidence is not admissible in a civil or criminal proceeding involving alleged sexual misconduct:

(1) evidence offered to prove that a victim or witness engaged in other sexual behavior; or

(2) evidence offered to prove a victim's or witness’s sexual predisposition.

(b) Exceptions.

(1) Criminal Cases.

The court may admit the following evidence in a criminal case:

(A) evidence of specific instances of a victim's or witness’s sexual behavior, if offered to prove that someone other than the defendant was the source of semen, injury, or other physical evidence;

(B) evidence of specific instances of a victim's or witness’s sexual behavior with respect to the person accused of the sexual misconduct, if offered by the defendant to prove consent or if offered by the prosecutor; and

(C) evidence whose exclusion would violate the defendant's constitutional rights.

(2) Civil Cases.

In a civil case, the court may admit evidence offered to prove a victim's sexual behavior or sexual predisposition if its probative value substantially outweighs the danger of harm to any victim and of unfair prejudice to any party. The court may admit evidence of a victim's reputation only if the victim has placed it in controversy.

(c) Procedure to Determine Admissibility.

(1) Motion.

If a party intends to offer evidence under Rule 412(b), the party must:

(A) file a motion that specifically describes the evidence and states the purpose for which it is to be offered;

(B) do so at least ten (10) days before trial unless the court, for good cause, sets a different time;

(C) serve the motion on all parties; and

(D) notify the victim or, when appropriate, the victim's guardian or representative.

(2) Hearing.

Before admitting evidence under this rule, the court must conduct an in camera hearing and give the victim and parties a right to attend and be heard. Unless the court orders otherwise, the motion, related materials, and the record of the hearing is confidential and excluded from public access in accordance with the Rules on Access to Court Records.

(d) Definition of "Victim."

In this rule, "victim" includes an alleged victim.

Opinions in this dataset that cite Rule 412

5 opinions in the dataset cite this rule, reversals first. Matched from each opinion’s coded issue, not from a reading of the opinion.

Reporter citations are as supplied and unverified; the official opinion link is the source of record.

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.