What is the probative value of evidence in a sexual assault case where the evidence is not related to the charged offence?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Hernandez, E053563 (Cal. App. 2012):

"The probative value of the evidence is enhanced if it emanates from a source independent of evidence of the charged offense because the risk that the witness's account was influenced by knowledge of the charged offense is thereby eliminated. [Citation.] On the other hand, the prejudicial effect of the evidence is increased if the uncharged acts did not result in a criminal conviction. This is because the jury might be inclined to punish the defendant for the uncharged acts regardless of whether it considers the defendant guilty of the charged offense and because the absence of a conviction increases the likelihood of confusing the issues, in that the jury will have to determine whether the uncharged acts occurred. [Citation.] The potential for prejudice is decreased, however, when testimony describing the defendant's uncharged acts is no stronger or more inflammatory than the testimony concerning the charged offense. [Citation.]" (People v. Tran, supra, 51 Cal.4th at p. 1047.)

Additionally, "[i]n cases . . . where evidence is admitted under Evidence Code section 1101, subdivision (b), the evidence is probative because of its tendency to establish an intermediary fact from which the ultimate fact of guilt of a charged crime may be inferred. [Citations.]" (People v. Tran, supra, 51 Cal.4th at p. 1048.)

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