Rehabilitation

• Library: Objections Guidebook (2022 Ed.)

Rehabilitation

Character Support

Form of Objection

· Improper rehabilitation (witness not impeached)

General Rule

· Evidence of a witness’s reputation for truth and veracity is admissible to bolster or support testimony if a witness has been impeached by evidence of the witness’s “bad” reputation for truth and veracity; evidence that the witness has been convicted of a crime; or evidence that the witness has committed prior bad acts that did not result in a conviction. Evidence of bias also may trigger admission of the witness’s good character.

· Rehabilitation may be allowed if the witness has been impeached by prior inconsistent statements.

· See Bell, Principle 630, Courtroom Handbook on Missouri Evidence, 33 Missouri Practice Series (Thomson Reuters 2021).

· Note: As to “reputation,” see Character Evidence (Relevance) on pp. 5–9 of this guidebook.

Prior Consistent Statement

Form of Objection

· Self-serving

· Hearsay (when not then impeached)

· Bolstering

General Rule

· Evidence of a prior...