§ 1-13 Character Evidence - Good Reputation

• Library: South Carolina Requests to Charge - Criminal (SCBar) (2012 Ed.)

§ 1-13 Character Evidence - Good Reputation

When a person is charged with a crime, the law permits the proof of his good character and reputation, because under some circumstances, a person might be entitled to a verdict of not guilty, in taking into consideration his good character and reputation, when without it, a verdict of guilty might be authorized. Evidence of good character and good reputation may in and of itself create a doubt as to guilt and should be considered by the jury, along with all the other evidence, in determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant. The weight you give to that testimony, like all other testimony in the case, is for you to determine and decide, in your good judgment.

See Rule 404(a)(1), SCRE; State v. Braxton, 343 S.C. 629, 635 n.1, 541 S.E.2d 833,836 n.1 (2001) ("Rule 404(a)(1), SCRE ... allows character trait evidence if offered by the accused...."); State v. Council,

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