Expert Opinions, Judgments, & Character Evidence

Expert Opinions & Character Evidence (Articles 54 to 69)

• Judgments (Art. 54 & 56): The existence of a past judgment preventing a court from hearing a suit (Res Judicata) is a relevant fact (Art. 54). Judgments on matters of a public nature are relevant but not conclusive proof (Art. 56).
• Expert Opinions (Art. 59 & 60): When a court needs to form an opinion on foreign law, science, art, handwriting, or finger impressions, the opinions of skilled "experts" are relevant (not local law). Facts that support or contradict an expert's opinion (e.g., symptoms of poison observed in others) are also relevant.
• Grounds of Opinion (Art. 65): Whenever the opinion of a living person is relevant, the grounds upon which it is based are also relevant.
• Handwriting & Proof (Art. 61): Disputed handwriting can be proved by all of these: calling an expert, examining someone acquainted with the writing, or side-by-side comparison.
• Relationship Opinion (Art. 64): Article 64 specifically deals with opinion on relationship when relevant.
• Conduct (Art. 18/General): Previous or subsequent conduct is a relevant fact.
• Civil Character (Art. 66 & 103): In civil cases, character evidence to render probable or improbable any imputed conduct is irrelevant.
• Criminal Character (Art. 67 & 68): Previous good character is relevant. Previous bad character is irrelevant (inadmissible) unless evidence of good character has already been given by the defense in response (except reply).