If a Defendant introduces character evidence about the victim (ie Defendant acted in self-defense cause the victim was a bad person), I know the Prosecution can rebut with "good" character evidence about the victim, but can the Prosecution introduce "bad" character evidence about the Defendant? I don't want to ask this question in class and look stupid. I think the Prosecution can, correct?
The general rule is that the prosecution cannot introduce evidence of bad character to show that he is more likely to have committed the crime. If the defense puts his character at issue then the prosecution may rebut with evidence of bad character.
nm you answered my question. Thanks. Basically if the defendant does not put his own character at issue, the prosecution cannot attack his character. So if the defendant trashes the victim, the only thing the prosecution can do is rebut about the victim.
