Character

In evidence. The opinion generally entertained of a person derived from the common report of the.people who are acquainted with him.

3 Serg. & R. (Pa.) 336; 3 Mass. 192; 3 Esp. 236; 40 Neb. 810.

In its technical use, the word has lost its ordinary significance, and in such use is synonymous with "repute." The moral character and conduct of a person in society may be used in proof before a jury in three classes of cases: First, to afford a presumption that a particular party has not been guilty of a criminal act (17 Mich. 9; 14 Mo. 502); second, to affect the damages in particular cases, where their amount depends on the character and conduct of any individual (30 N. Y. 285; 8 Iowa, 29; 4 Gush. [Mass.] 217); and, third, to impeach or confirm the veracity of a witness (16 Ohio St. 218; 7 N. Y. 378).