united-states discrimination defamation sport courtroom-strategy
Is evidence of rumours of a defendant&#39;s racism unhelpful in a defamation case involving accusations of cheating?
<p>Defendant accuses Plaintiff of cheating in a competition. Plaintiff sues Defendant for defamation.</p>
<p>Plaintiff has heard rumours that Defendant is racist. <strong>Assuming these could be substantiated in some way:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li><p>Would it have been unhelpful for Plaintiff to bring this up in the lawsuit (given that Plaintiff did not do so)?</p>
</li>
<li><p>Would it be unhelpful for Plaintiff to bring this up later on eg in depositions or actual trial?</p>
</li>
</ol>

<p>Information about a defendant’s character or past misdeeds are not generally admissible during a court proceeding.</p>
<p>It can be brought in to rebut testimony. If the defendant takes the stand and asserts that they never discriminated against anyone due to their nation of origin, then evidence they they have done so becomes relevant.</p>

<p>Bringing up rumors is rarely helpful in litigation. Rumors are hearsay, and therefore typically inadmissible.</p>
