§ 90.611, Fla. Stat. — Religious Beliefs or Opinions
Plain English
A witness’s religious beliefs or opinions are off-limits as a credibility tool. You cannot use evidence of what a witness does or doesn’t believe about religion to argue their credibility is impaired (“she’s an atheist, so don’t trust her”) or enhanced (“he’s devout, so believe him”). Religion simply isn’t a permissible basis to attack or bolster whether a witness is telling the truth.
From the Courtroom
Any question that drifts toward a witness’s faith to score a credibility point is an instant objection under 90.611 — and often a deeper problem, because it invites bias into the jury box. Credibility is attacked with bias, inconsistency, and capacity, never with what a witness believes about God.
Key Points & Authority
- § 90.611, Fla. Stat. — Evidence of a witness’s religious beliefs or opinions is inadmissible to show credibility is impaired or enhanced.
- Credibility is properly tested through §§ 90.608–90.610 (inconsistency, bias, character for truthfulness, convictions) — not religion.
- Federal parallel: Fed. R. Evid. 610.
Federal Parallel
The federal counterpart is Fed. R. Evid. 610 — a witness’s religious beliefs or opinions are not admissible to attack or support credibility.
About this rule walkthrough
Part of The Evidence Code, hosted by John M. Phillips — Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Court TV analyst, admitted in 8 states + 9 federal districts + SCOTUS.
Free consultation: (904) 444-4444 · About John Phillips
Educational only — not legal advice.
Rule Text (verbatim from the Florida Supreme Court)
Evidence of the beliefs or opinions of a witness on matters of religion is inadmissible to show that the witness’s credibility is impaired or enhanced thereby.
Educational reference. Educational only — not legal advice.
What this rule means in plain English
Section 90.611 bars evidence of a witness’s religious beliefs or opinions offered to show their credibility is impaired or enhanced.