character

(in the law of evidence) 1. The reputation of a party or witness. In civil cases the reputation of a party is not admissible unless it is directly in issue, as it may be in an action for *defamation. In criminal cases the accused may call evidence of his good character. If he does so, the prosecution may call evidence in rebuttal, but any such evidence must be limited to evidence of reputation and not include opinions about the accused’s *disposition. Evidence of the reputation for truthfulness of a witness may be given in both civil and criminal cases.
2. Loosely, the disposition of a party.