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HomeEvidence CodeDiv. 6Ch. 6Art. 2§ 787 Witness Character Evidence Limits

§ 787 Witness Character Evidence Limits

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

§ 787 Witness Character Evidence Limits

Key Takeaways

  • •You can't use someone's past actions to say they are lying or telling the truth in court.
  • •If someone did something bad before, that doesn't automatically mean they are lying now.
  • •This rule is about keeping the trial fair and focused on the current case.

Example

Imagine someone is in court because they are accused of stealing a bike.

The lawyer can't say, 'He lied about eating cookies when he was 5, so he’s lying about the bike now.' That’s not allowed. Only talk about the bike.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 787 Witness Character Evidence Limits

Subject to Section 788, evidence of specific instances of his conduct relevant only as tending to prove a trait of his character is inadmissible to attack or support the credibility of a witness. (Enacted by Stats. 1965, Ch. 299.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

evidencespecific instancestrait of his charactercredibility of a witness

Related Statutes

  • § 786 Witness Character Evidence Limits
  • § 788 Witness Credibility Felony Convictions
  • § 789 Witness Religious Belief Evidence
  • § 780 Witness Credibility Factors
  • § 782 Sexual Conduct Evidence Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Evidence Code. Section 787.
View Official Source