Under Rule 608, when is extrinsic evidence of specific acts generally admissible?

Under Rule 608, when is extrinsic evidence of specific acts generally admissible?

• A. Extrinsic evidence of specific acts is generally admissible during cross-examination on those acts.
• B. Extrinsic evidence of specific acts is generally not admissible; cross-examination is allowed.
• C. Extrinsic evidence of specific acts is admissible only with a prior order.
• D. Extrinsic evidence of specific acts may be admitted for impeachment for truthfulness in any form.

Answer: (B)

Rule 608 focuses on impeachment of a witness’s truthfulness. The main idea is that you may attack credibility by reputation or opinion about truthfulness, or by asking about specific acts on cross-examination. But you may not prove those specific acts with extrinsic evidence. In practice, this means you can cross-examine a witness about a specific act that might reflect dishonesty and the witness can respond or explain, but you cannot introduce other witnesses or documents to prove that act to impeach. The rule keeps impeachment focused on credibility rather than turning it into a separate mini-trial about past conduct. A requirement for a prior order or admitting extrinsic evidence “in any form” would go beyond what Rule 608 allows.

Rule 608 focuses on impeachment of a witness’s truthfulness. The main idea is that you may attack credibility by reputation or opinion about truthfulness, or by asking about specific acts on cross-examination. But you may not prove those specific acts with extrinsic evidence. In practice, this means you can cross-examine a witness about a specific act that might reflect dishonesty and the witness can respond or explain, but you cannot introduce other witnesses or documents to prove that act to impeach. The rule keeps impeachment focused on credibility rather than turning it into a separate mini-trial about past conduct. A requirement for a prior order or admitting extrinsic evidence “in any form” would go beyond what Rule 608 allows.