Opinion ID: 546906
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Hypothetical questions on cross-examination of character witnesses.

Text: 32 Luffred asserts that the district court erred in permitting the government to impeach her character witnesses by asking hypothetical questions. Specifically, the government asked character witnesses whether they would have the same good opinion of Luffred's honesty if they knew that she had failed to file tax returns in 1983 and 1984, or had otherwise not followed the law. An alleged bad act must have both a basis in fact and be relevant to the character traits at issue before it may be used in cross-examination of a character witness. United States v. Nixon, 777 F.2d 958 (5th Cir.1985). Although the government laid a factual basis for its claim that Luffred did not file returns for 1983 and 1984, it laid no basis for its assertion that Luffred had met the income threshold which required that returns be filed. See 26 U.S.C. Sec. 6012. While not relevant to the ultimate issue of guilt, the latter showing was necessary to make Luffred's failure to file relevant to the character trait at issue. That particular cross-examination should not have been allowed. 33 The convictions are REVERSED and the matter is REMANDED.