Rule 610 - Religious Beliefs or OpinionsEvidence of a witness's religious beliefs or opinions is not admissible to attack or support the witness's credibility.
EXPLANATORY NOTE Rule 610 was amended, effective 3/1/1990;3/1/2014. This rule is adopted from Fed.R.Ev. 610. The rule prohibits admission of evidence of religious beliefs only if offered to affect credibility. Such evidence may be offered for other purposes, such as showing bias. Rule 610 was amended, effective 3/1/1990. The amendment is technical in nature and no substantive change is intended. Rule 610 was amended, effective3/1/2014, in response to the12/1/2011, revision of the Federal Rules of Evidence. The language and organization of the rule were changed to make the rule more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. There is no intent to change any result in any ruling on evidence admissibility. SOURCES: Joint Procedure Committee Minutes of April 26-27, 2012, pages 25-26; March 24-25, 1988, page 12;12/3/1987, page 15;6/3/1976, page 2;10/1/1975, page 6. Fed.R.Ev. 610; Rule 610, SBAND proposal.