Which of the following is NOT an admissible reason for challenging witness credibility in civil cases?

In civil cases, a witness's credibility can be scrutinized based on certain admissible reasons. The correct choice indicates that a pending criminal charge is not a valid basis for challenging a witness's credibility in this context. This is because a pending charge does not establish that the individual has committed a crime; it merely indicates that they are facing an accusation. Admitting such evidence could unfairly prejudice the jury or judge against the witness before a conviction has been determined.

In contrast, evidence of a crime conviction within the last ten years is generally admissible since it reflects a proven misconduct that can affect the witness's reliability. Similarly, testimony relating to a witness's moral character can be relevant in assessing their honesty and dependability, and public reputation evidence is often considered to establish a witness's standing in the community and perceived trustworthiness. These types of evidence have a direct bearing on the credibility of a witness and are permissible in court, unlike a pending charge, which lacks conclusivity regarding the witness's character or actions.