In which of the following cases is character evidence deemed admissible in civil cases?

Character evidence is generally limited in civil cases, but there are specific contexts where it becomes admissible. In defamation cases, character evidence can play a critical role because the plaintiff’s reputation is directly in question. The plaintiff must prove that the defamatory statements were made and that they harmed their reputation; therefore, evidence related to the plaintiff's character, including their reputation in the community or past behavior, can be significant in establishing damages. This kind of evidence helps the jury assess the impact of the defamation on the plaintiff's standing and could influence their perception of the harm caused.

In contrast, other scenarios like negligent driving incidents, contract disputes, and employment termination actions do not typically allow for character evidence to be used as a basis for proving liability or damages. These areas tend to focus on the facts of the case rather than an individual's character attributes, keeping the adjudication centered on the specific actions and their legality rather than personal qualities.