What is the general rule regarding the admissibility of character evidence?

The general rule regarding the admissibility of character evidence is that it is generally inadmissible under the Federal Rules of Evidence and in most jurisdictions. Character evidence refers to testimony or documentation regarding a person's character traits. The rationale behind this rule is to focus trials on the specific facts of the dispute rather than the character or reputation of the parties involved, which could lead to unfair prejudice or distraction from the main issues being tried.

There are exceptions to this rule. For example, in criminal cases, the defendant may introduce evidence of their good character to support their defense, and in some circumstances, the prosecution may rebut that evidence. Additionally, character evidence may be admissible in certain civil cases, especially if character is directly at issue.

The other options suggest various nuances about character evidence that don't represent the general rule. For instance, stating that character evidence is always admissible or admissible for all parties does not align with the established limitations. Similarly, while it is true that specific rules might vary slightly by jurisdiction, the overarching principle remains that it is generally inadmissible. Understanding this foundational guideline is essential for evaluating the role of character evidence in legal proceedings.