Tex. R. Evid. 405

Methods of Proving Character

sha256 704a9405acff4e92c3996537b7976e78… · retrieved 7/15/2026, 8:29:33 PM · Supreme Court of Texas official rules PDF — txcourts.gov, verbatim · verified 8/5/2026 by TXEV-1 July reconcile (artifact-proven, dual-sourced)

Rule 405. Methods of Proving Character
(a) By Reputation or Opinion.
(1) In General. 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, inquiry may be
made into relevant specific instances of the person’s conduct.
(2) Accused’s Character in a Criminal Case. In the guilt stage of a criminal case, a
witness may testify to the defendant’s character or character trait only if, before the
day of the offense, the witness was familiar with the defendant’s reputation or the
facts or information that form the basis of the witness’s opinion.
(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.

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