Impeachment by evidence of bad character

Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), the party producing a witness shall not be allowed to impeach the credibility of the witness by evidence of bad character. (b) The party producing a witness may impeach the credibility of the witness by evidence of bad character if: (1) it was indispensable that the party produce the witness; or (2) it is a case of manifest surprise. (c) In all cases, the party producing the witness may contradict the witness: (1) by other evidence; and (2) by showing that the witness has made statements different from the present testimony of the witness. [Pre-1998 Recodification Citation: 34-1-14-15.] As added by P.L.1-1998, SEC.41.