Opinion ID: 1427108
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: pertinent trait of character

Text: Character evidence may be used circumstantially to show that a person acted consistently with that character. This use of character evidence to show conformity is generally rejected, however, in the first paragraph of ER 404(a), which provides: Evidence of a person's character or a trait of his character is not admissible for the purpose of proving that he acted in conformity therewith on a particular occasion ... The three subsections of ER 404(a) provide exceptions to this general rule. Thus, under certain circumstances, proof is permitted of the character of an accused, a victim, and a witness. We are here concerned with the character of an accused and hence, with ER 404(a)(1). Under this provision, an accused may offer evidence of a pertinent trait of character which the prosecution may then rebut. The Court of Appeals found the expert's testimony was properly admitted as evidence of a pertinent trait of character under ER 404(a). Thus, it opined, the State's rebuttal evidence was properly admitted under ER 405(b). This is a misconstruction of the rules which confuses the two separate purposes for which character evidence is admissible. Contrary to the appellate court's analysis, ER 405(b) is inapplicable to evidence offered as rebuttal of a pertinent trait of character. As discussed below, ER 405(b) applies only when character is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense. The Court of Appeals also ignored the allowable methods of proving pertinent traits of character. When an accused offers evidence of a pertinent trait of character, ER 405(a) governs the allowable methods of proof. Testimony may be offered as to the reputation of the accused in the community. ER 405(a). See State v. Argentieri, 105 Wash. 7, 10, 177 P. 690 (1919) (proper method of questioning character witnesses). Upon cross examination of character witnesses, inquiry may be made into specific instances of conduct. Where character witnesses are cross-examined as to their personal knowledge of acts of misconduct of the accused, the primary purpose of such cross examination must be to impeach the testimony of the character witnesses, not to discredit the person on trial. State v. Styles, 93 Wn.2d 173, 606 P.2d 1233 (1980); State v. Donaldson, 76 Wn.2d 513, 458 P.2d 21 (1969); State v. Cyr, 40 Wn.2d 840, 246 P.2d 480 (1952). The same method of proof is applicable when the prosecution seeks to rebut the accused's evidence of a pertinent trait of character. [2, 3] Assuming, for the purpose of discussion, the expert's testimony constituted evidence of a pertinent trait of character, the expert's opinion thereon would not have been admissible. Unlike the federal Rules of Evidence, Washington's evidentiary rules do not permit proof of character by opinion testimony. Comment, ER 405, 91 Wn.2d 1135 (1979); State v. Woodard, 26 Wn. App. 735, 617 P.2d 1039 (1980). Further, even assuming petitioner could have offered evidence of a pertinent trait of character by means of the expert testimony, the State's evidence of prior acts was not proper rebuttal. When an accused offers evidence of a pertinent trait of character, it may be rebutted by cross examination of character witnesses or contrary proof of reputation in the community, not by evidence of specific instances of misconduct. ER 405(a). See State v. Putzell, 40 Wn.2d 174, 182, 242 P.2d 180 (1952). [4] Our finding of error does not rest on the improper method of proof alone. We also find the expert testimony did not in fact constitute evidence of a pertinent trait of character within the meaning of ER 404(a)(1). We do not attempt to formulate a general definition of the amorphous concept of character. Our focus is considerably narrower. We are concerned with whether the expert testimony offered by petitioner Kelly was evidence of her character at all as the term is used in ER 404(a)(1). A defendant offers evidence of a pertinent trait of character to show that he or she acted in conformity with that character. Character witnesses offered by an accused typically testify that the defendant has a reputation for being a good, honest, law-abiding and/or peaceful person. E.g., State v. Riggs, 32 Wn.2d 281, 283, 201 P.2d 219 (1949); United States v. Angelini, 678 F.2d 380 (1st Cir.1982); Darland v. United States, 626 F.2d 1235 (5th Cir.1980). From such testimony, the defendant generally seeks to have the jury conclude that one of such character would not have committed the crime charged. See Michelson v. United States, 335 U.S. 469, 475-76, 93 L.Ed. 168, 69 S.Ct. 213 (1948). Mrs. Kelly did not introduce the expert testimony to show that at the time she shot her husband, she acted in conformity with behavioral characteristics which were said to comprise the battered woman syndrome. Rather, the expert testimony was offered to aid the jury in understanding the reasonableness of Mrs. Kelly's apprehension of imminent death or bodily injury. [2] See State v. Allery, 101 Wn.2d 591, 682 P.2d 312 (1984). The battered woman syndrome testimony was therefore not offered as evidence of a pertinent trait of character. Rather the expert testimony was offered to aid the trier of fact in understanding the evidence and determining a fact in issue ( i.e., self-defense). ER 702.