Opinion ID: 1887496
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Interjection of the Issue of Marks's Wealth

Text: Reference to a party's wealth or poverty is generally not permitted under Alabama law. However, this general exclusionary rule does not apply if evidence of the party's wealth or poverty is relevant to a material issue in the case. See Ford v. Canton, 530 So.2d 217 (Ala.1988). It is generally recognized that a party may inquire into an opposing party's wealth on cross-examination or in rebuttal if that opposing party opens the door to such an inquiry. See City of Gulf Shores v. Harbert Int'l, 608 So.2d 348 (Ala.1992); see, also, Charles W. Gamble, McElroy's Alabama Evidence, § 189.05(2)(c) (5th ed.1996), and the cases cited therein. We have examined the instances where Marks says Intergraph improperly introduced evidence of, or commented on, his financial status. We conclude that the trial court did not err in rejecting Marks's argument for a new trial on this ground. The evidence and the comments complained of, to the extent they could be considered as referring, directly or indirectly, to Marks's financial status, were, for the most part, proper to rebut Marks's argument that Intergraph had caused him to be unable to make a living from his architectural practice. For the foregoing reasons, the judgment is affirmed. AFFIRMED. HOOPER, C.J., and MADDOX, COOK, SEE, LYONS, BROWN, and JOHNSTONE, JJ., concur.