Rule 608:Character to Bolster or Attack Credibility

Rule 1: No Bolstering Before Attack

Bolstering is not permitted before an attack on witness’s

truthfulness

Rule 2: Bolstering OK After Attack

• Bolstering is permitted after an attack on witness’s truthfulness

–The attack need not have been made by a character witness

–But it must have been an attack on the witness’s truthful character -- not just on the witness’s credibility

Rule 3: Specific Acts Can Only Be Used on Cross

• Specific acts may be used on cross of either:

–The target witness

–A character witness• But questioner is stuck

with the answer