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HomeEvidence CodeDiv. 6Ch. 6Art. 1§ 783 Sexual Conduct Evidence Rules

§ 783 Sexual Conduct Evidence Rules

Evidence Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 783 Sexual Conduct Evidence Rules

Key Takeaways

  • •If someone is suing for sexual harassment or assault, the other side can't just bring up their past sexual behavior to attack their credibility.
  • •The other side must first ask the court in writing and explain why this past behavior is relevant.
  • •The court will hold a private hearing (without the jury) to decide if this evidence can be used.
  • •Only if the court says it's okay can the other side bring up this evidence in the trial.

Example

A woman sues her boss for sexual harassment at work. The boss wants to talk about her past relationships to make her seem less believable.

The boss can't just bring this up in court. He has to first write to the court and explain why this is important. The court will then hold a private meeting to decide if this information can be used. If the court says no, the boss can't mention it during the trial.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 783 Sexual Conduct Evidence Rules

In any civil action alleging conduct which constitutes sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual battery, if evidence of sexual conduct of the plaintiff is offered to attack credibility of the plaintiff under Section 780, the following procedures shall be followed: (a) A written motion shall be made by the defendant to the court and the plaintiff’s attorney stating that the defense has an offer of proof of the relevancy of evidence of the sexual conduct of the plaintiff proposed to be presented. (b) The written motion shall be accompanied by an affidavit in which the offer of proof shall be stated. (c) If the court finds that the offer of proof is sufficient, the court shall order a hearing out of the presence of the jury, if any, and at the hearing allow the questioning of the plaintiff regarding the offer of proof made by the defendant. (d) At the conclusion of the hearing, if the court finds that evidence proposed to be offered by the defendant regarding the sexual conduct of the plaintiff is relevant pursuant to Section 780, and is not inadmissible pursuant to Section 352, the court may make an order stating what evidence may be introduced by the defendant, and the nature of the questions to be permitted. The defendant may then offer evidence pursuant to the order of the court. (Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1328, Sec. 3.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

sexual harassmentsexual assaultsexual batteryevidence of sexual conductoffer of proofSection 780Section 352

Related Statutes

  • § 780 Witness Credibility Factors
  • § 782 Sexual Conduct Evidence Rules
  • § 782.1 Condom Evidence Prostitution Ban
  • § 785 Witness Credibility Challenges
  • § 786 Witness Character Evidence Limits

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Evidence Code. Section 783.
View Official Source