Andrew Branca has a new post up

[baldeagle]

When Is Evidence of Your Attacker’s Character Admissible In Court?

A person testifying in court always places their character into question on the issue of credibility and to what extent the jury should weight their testimony. This is why it is normally so hazardous for a defendant to take the stand. Until they do, evidence of their character may be admitted only for very narrowly limited purposes, effectively keeping most of the defendant’s character evidence out of court. Once the defendant takes the stand, however, the door slams wide open on character evidence.

This is why it's seldom wise to testify on your own behalf.

[bizarrenormality]

Not the only reason.