# Md. Rule 5-405: Rule 5-405. Methods of Proving Character

> Maryland · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_405

## Section

- **Citation:** Md. Rule 5-405
- **Heading:** Rule 5-405. Methods of Proving Character
- **Jurisdiction:** Maryland
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Maryland Rules / Title 5 Evidence / Chapter 400 Relevancy and Its Limits / Md. Rule 5-405

## Text

(a) Reputation or Opinion. In all cases in which evidence of character or a trait of character of a person is admissible, proof may be made by testimony as to reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On cross-examination, inquiry is allowable into relevant specific instances of conduct.
(b) Specific Instances of Conduct. In cases in which character or a trait of character of a person is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense, proof may also be made of relevant specific instances of that person's conduct.

## Nearby sections

- [Md. Rule 5-401 Rule 5-401. Definition of “Relevant Evidence”](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_401.md)
- [Md. Rule 5-402 Rule 5-402. Relevant Evidence Generally Admissible; Irrelevant Evidence Inadmissible](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_402.md)
- [Md. Rule 5-403 Rule 5-403. Exclusion of Relevant Evidence on Grounds of Prejudice, Confusion, or Waste of Time](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_403.md)
- [Md. Rule 5-404 Rule 5-404. Character Evidence Not Admissible to Prove Conduct; Exceptions; Other Crimes](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_404.md)
- [Md. Rule 5-405 Rule 5-405. Methods of Proving Character](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_405.md)
- [Md. Rule 5-406 Rule 5-406. Habit; Routine Practice](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_406.md)
- [Md. Rule 5-407 Rule 5-407. Subsequent Remedial Measures](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_407.md)
- [Md. Rule 5-408 Rule 5-408. Compromise and Offers to Compromise](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_408.md)
- [Md. Rule 5-409 Rule 5-409. Payment of Medical and Similar Expenses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_409.md)
- [Md. Rule 5-410 Rule 5-410. Inadmissibility of Pleas, Plea Discussions, and Related Statements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_410.md)
- [Md. Rule 5-411 Rule 5-411. Liability Insurance](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_411.md)
- [Md. Rule 5-412 Rule 5-412. Sex Offense Cases; Relevance of Victim's Past Behavior](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_412.md)
- [Md. Rule 5-413 Rule 5-413. Sex Offense Cases; Other Sexually Assaultive Behavior by Defendant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_413.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T5_R5_405. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.