A. Where evidence of a person's character or trait of character is admissible, proof may be by testimony as to reputation or by testimony in the form of opinion. Inquiry is allowable on cross-examination into relevant specific instances of conduct.
§ 2405.Methods of Proving Character
Chapter 40: Oklahoma Evidence Code · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified August 3, 2026
In one sentenceAllows character evidence to be proven by reputation or opinion testimony, permits cross-examination into relevant specific instances of conduct, and lets a party prove specific instances directly when character is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense.
Full Text of § 2405
B. In cases in which a person's character or a trait of character is an essential element of a charge, claim or defense, proof may be made of specific instances of his conduct.
Amendment History
Laws 1978, SB 276, c. 285, § 405, eff. 10/1/1978.
Plain-English Summary
Where character evidence is admissible under Section 2404, Section 2405 sets the methods of proof. Direct proof is limited to reputation testimony or opinion testimony -- a witness can testify that a person has a good or bad reputation, or give their own opinion of the person's character. Cross-examination opens a wider door: relevant specific instances of conduct can be asked about there.
Subsection B carves out cases where a person's character is an essential element of the charge, claim, or defense itself, not just relevant background. There, a party may prove specific instances of conduct directly, not merely through cross-examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a party prove someone's character under Oklahoma law?
Through reputation testimony or opinion testimony, per Section 2405(A). Specific instances of conduct come in on cross-examination, or, under subsection B, as direct proof when character is an essential element of the case.
Can you ask about specific bad acts on cross-examination?
Yes, if relevant -- subsection A allows inquiry on cross-examination into relevant specific instances of conduct.
When can a party prove specific instances of conduct directly, not just on cross-examination?
When a person's character or trait of character is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense, under subsection B.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Last verified August 3, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: oklahoma methods of proving character12 O.S. § 2405FRE 405 oklahoma equivalentreputation vs opinion testimony character oklahoma