When can specific acts of misconduct be introduced as evidence?

Specific acts of misconduct can be introduced as evidence when character is an integral part of the case. This means that the character of a party is directly relevant to the issues being litigated. For instance, in situations where a defendant's character is a focal point, such as in defamation cases or in cases involving credibility, prior acts may be admitted to provide context about the individual’s behavior or to illustrate a pattern that is pertinent to the case at hand.

While other contexts, such as proving motive or intent, do allow for the introduction of specific acts, the most direct and clear instance for admission is when character itself is central to the legal questions being decided. In these instances, the specific acts are not merely about proving character in isolation but rather enhance the factual matrix of the case that necessitates understanding the character in detail.