Evidence of a witness’s religious beliefs or opinions is not admissible to attack or support the witness’s credibility.
Plain-English Summary (for reference only — not a substitute for the rule text above)
A witness's religion cannot be used to make them look more or less trustworthy in court. It does not matter whether someone is religious or not, or what religion they follow. That information stays out of the case when it comes to judging whether to believe them.
This means lawyers cannot ask a witness about their faith to suggest they are more honest because they believe in God, or less honest because they do not. The jury must judge a witness's credibility based on other factors, like their behavior on the stand and the facts of the case.
Summary generated March 09, 2026
Committee Notes
Notes of Advisory Committee on Proposed Rules
While the rule forecloses inquiry into the religious beliefs or opinions of a witness for the purpose of showing that his character for truthfulness is affected by their nature, an inquiry for the purpose of showing interest or bias because of them is not within the prohibition. Thus disclosure of affiliation with a church which is a party to the litigation would be allowable under the rule. Cf. Tucker v. Reil, 51 Ariz. 357, 77 P.2d 203 (1938). To the same effect, though less specifically worded, is California Evidence Code § 789. See 3 Wigmore § 936.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1987 Amendment
The amendment is technical. No substantive change is intended.
Committee Notes on Rules—2011 Amendment
The language of Rule 610 has been amended as part of the restyling of the Evidence Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only. There is no intent to change any result in any ruling on evidence admissibility.
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