# Wis. Stat. § 904.05: Methods of proving character

> Wisconsin · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.05

## Section

- **Citation:** Wis. Stat. § 904.05
- **Heading:** Methods of proving character
- **Jurisdiction:** Wisconsin
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** WI Code / Chapter 904 / Section 904.05

## Text

(1) 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.

(2) 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 specific instances of the person’s conduct.

History: Sup. Ct. Order, 59 Wis. 2d R1, R80 (1973); 1991 a. 32 .

## Nearby sections

- [Wis. Stat. § 904.01 Definition of “relevant evidence”.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.01.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 904.02 Relevant evidence generally admissible; irrelevant evidence inadmissible.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.02.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 904.03 Exclusion of relevant evidence on grounds of prejudice, confusion, or waste of time.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.03.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 904.04 Character evidence not admissible to prove conduct; exceptions; other crimes.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.04.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 904.05 Methods of proving character.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.05.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 904.06 Habit; routine practice.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.06.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 904.07 Subsequent remedial measures.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.07.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 904.08 Compromise and offers to compromise.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.08.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 904.09 Payment of medical and similar expenses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.09.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 904.10 Offer to plead guilty; no contest; withdrawn plea of guilty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.10.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 904.11 Liability insurance.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.11.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 904.12 Statement of injured; admissibility; copies.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.12.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 904.13 Information concerning crime victims.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.13.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 904.14 Inadmissibility of statement by health care provider of apology or condolence.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C904_S904.05. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.