When character evidence is used to examine a witness on cross-examination for specific facts, what is allowed?

• A. Extrinsic evidence may be used
• B. Only cross-examination; no extrinsic evidence
• C. Written records only
• D. Expert testimony only

Answer: (B)

The question tests how credibility may be explored when a witness’s character for truthfulness is in issue on cross-examination. You may question the witness about specific past acts that reflect on truthfulness, but you may not bring in extrinsic evidence to prove those acts. In practice, that means you can ask about particular incidents during cross-examination and have the witness respond, but you cannot introduce other witnesses, documents, or records to prove those specific instances. This is why the correct approach is that only cross-examination is allowed; no extrinsic evidence.

So, questions on cross-examination may probe specific past conduct, but the proof of those acts must come from the cross-examination itself, not from outside evidence.