Montana Rules of Evidence R. 405
Rule 405. Methods of proving character.
Terms Used In Montana Rules of Evidence R
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Person: includes a corporation or other entity as well as a natural person. See Montana Code 1-1-201
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
(a)Reputation or opinion. 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 reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On cross-examination, 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, or where the character of the victim relates to the reasonableness of force used by the accused in self defense, proof may also be made of specific instances of that person’s conduct.