Character

Evidence of a person's general disposition, generally inadmissible to prove conduct in conformity on a specific occasion.

In civil cases, character is rarely admissible unless character is itself an element (defamation, negligent hiring). In criminal cases, the defendant controls the door. Where character is admissible, the form (reputation/opinion vs. specific instances) depends on the purpose. Habit evidence (Rule 406), unlike character, IS admissible to show conduct in conformity.

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