Rule 608. Evidence of character and conduct of witness.
(a) Opinion and reputation evidence of character. - The credibility of a witness may be attacked or supported by evidence in the form of reputation or opinion as provided in Rule 405(a), but subject to these limitations: (1) the evidence may refer only to character for truthfulness or untruthfulness, and (2) evidence of truthful character is admissible only after the character of the witness for truthfulness has been attacked by opinion or reputation evidence or otherwise.
(b) Specific instances of conduct. - Specific instances of the conduct of a witness, for the purpose of attacking or supporting his credibility, other than conviction of crime as provided in Rule 609, may not be proved by extrinsic evidence. They may, however, in the discretion of the court, if probative of truthfulness or untruthfulness, be inquired into on cross-examination of the witness (1) concerning his character for truthfulness or untruthfulness, or (2) concerning the character for truthfulness or untruthfulness of another witness as to which character the witness being cross-examined has testified.
The giving of testimony, whether by an accused or by any other witness, does not operate as a waiver of his privilege against self-incrimination when examined with respect to matters which relate only to credibility. (1983, c. 701, s. 1.)
Structure North Carolina General Statutes
North Carolina General Statutes
Rule 601 - General rule of competency; disqualification of witness.
Rule 602 - Lack of personal knowledge.
Rule 603 - Oath or affirmation.
Rule 605 - Competency of judge as witness.
Rule 606 - Competency of juror as witness.
Rule 608 - Evidence of character and conduct of witness.
Rule 609 - Impeachment by evidence of conviction of crime.
Rule 610 - Religious beliefs or opinions.
Rule 611 - Mode and order of interrogation and presentation.
Rule 612 - Writing or object used to refresh memory.
Rule 613 - Prior statements of witnesses.
Rule 614 - Calling and interrogation of witnesses by court.