Which rule governs impeachment through prior convictions?

Which rule governs impeachment through prior convictions?

• A. 609
• B. 608
• C. 610
• D. 607

Answer: (A)

Impeaching a witness with evidence of prior convictions is governed by Rule 609. This rule controls when a prior conviction can be admitted to attack a witness’s credibility, focusing on two main categories: felonies punishable by more than a year in prison, and crimes involving dishonesty or false statements. These convictions can be admitted, but only after weighing their probative value against potential prejudice to the party under the court’s Rule 403 balancing. There’s also a time limit: convictions more than ten years old are generally excluded unless their probative value substantially outweighs prejudice. There are additional nuances for juvenile adjudications, but the core idea is that Rule 609 specifically governs impeachment through prior convictions. The other rules cover different aspects of credibility or impeachment, not the use of prior convictions to attack credibility.

Impeaching a witness with evidence of prior convictions is governed by Rule 609. This rule controls when a prior conviction can be admitted to attack a witness’s credibility, focusing on two main categories: felonies punishable by more than a year in prison, and crimes involving dishonesty or false statements. These convictions can be admitted, but only after weighing their probative value against potential prejudice to the party under the court’s Rule 403 balancing. There’s also a time limit: convictions more than ten years old are generally excluded unless their probative value substantially outweighs prejudice. There are additional nuances for juvenile adjudications, but the core idea is that Rule 609 specifically governs impeachment through prior convictions. The other rules cover different aspects of credibility or impeachment, not the use of prior convictions to attack credibility.