Under Rule 404(a)(1), evidence of a person's character is not admissible to prove that the person acted in accordance with that character.

Under Rule 404(a)(1), evidence of a person's character is not admissible to prove that the person acted in accordance with that character.

• A. Evidence of a person's character is admissible to prove that the person acted in accordance with that character.
• B. Evidence of a person’s character is admissible only to prove intent.
• C. Evidence of a person’s character is not admissible to prove that the person acted in accordance with that character.
• D. Evidence of a person’s character may be admitted for any purpose if the defendant requests.

Answer: (C)

Rule 404(a)(1) bars using evidence of a person’s character to prove that they acted in accordance with that character on a particular occasion. The purpose is to prevent juries from deciding based on stereotypes about a person rather than the specific facts of the case. So evidence like “this person is dishonest” cannot be admitted to prove that they lied or stole in this incident. The correct statement follows this general rule exactly. The other options try to expand or invert the rule—either saying such character evidence is admissible for conduct, or narrowing admissibility to intent, or allowing admission for any purpose if requested—which the rule does not permit. There can be limited exceptions under the rules for specific contexts, but they do not override the broad principle captured here.

Rule 404(a)(1) bars using evidence of a person’s character to prove that they acted in accordance with that character on a particular occasion. The purpose is to prevent juries from deciding based on stereotypes about a person rather than the specific facts of the case. So evidence like “this person is dishonest” cannot be admitted to prove that they lied or stole in this incident. The correct statement follows this general rule exactly. The other options try to expand or invert the rule—either saying such character evidence is admissible for conduct, or narrowing admissibility to intent, or allowing admission for any purpose if requested—which the rule does not permit. There can be limited exceptions under the rules for specific contexts, but they do not override the broad principle captured here.