What types of evidence are used to impeach a witness for truthfulness under Rule 609 and 608?

• A. Prior criminal convictions for truthfulness under 609 (subject to timing limits and balancing) and specific instances of conduct that reflect truthfulness under 608(b) if probative and allowed.
• B. Only character reputation evidence is allowed.
• C. Hearsay statements are used to impeach credibility.
• D. The witness's political beliefs are used.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how credibility is attacked under the impeachment rules in two tracks. First, Rule 609 allows evidence of a prior criminal conviction to impeach a witness, but this is limited by timing and a balancing test to weigh probative value against prejudice. Second, Rule 608 governs truthfulness through character evidence: you can use reputation or opinion evidence about a witness’s truthfulness, and you can also cross-examine about specific instances of conduct that reflect on truthfulness if those instances are probative and allowable. Put together, the types of evidence used to impeach a witness’s truthfulness include prior convictions (under 609) and probative specific instances of conduct or general reputation/opinion about truthfulness (under Rule 608). Hearsay statements and unrelated personal beliefs, like political views, aren’t used to impeach credibility under these rules.