19-19-405. Methods of proving character.
(a) By reputation or opinion. When evidence of a person's character or character trait is admissible, it may be proved by testimony about the person's reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On cross-examination of the character witness, the court may allow an inquiry into relevant specific instances of the person's conduct.
(b) By specific instances of conduct. When a person's character or character trait is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense, the character or trait may also be proved by relevant specific instances of the person's conduct.
Source: SL 1979, ch 358 (Supreme Court Rule 78-2, Rule 405); SDCL §§19-12-6, 19-12-7; SL 2016, ch 239 (Supreme Court Rule 15-27), eff. Jan. 1, 2016.