Old Chief v. United States

1997

Venue: SCOTUS

Facts: Old Chief had a felony on his record, and was arrested for a new set of deeds involving a gunshot. As a felon with his record, he really ought not to have had a gun. The prosecution wants to introduce evidence of the prior crime, and Old Chief just wants to stipulate that it was a felony for him to possess a firearm.

Posture: Convicted at trial, appeal.

Issue: Does a court abuse its discretion when it rejects an offer to stipulate to a prior conviction, favoring direct evidence that risks improper considerations?

Holding: Yes.

Rule: Rule 403 instructs the court to weigh probative value against some less desirable things, such as prejudice.

Reasoning: Generally, a prosecutor is free to make a case however suits him/her best. But that doesn't extend to introducing evidence that will cloud the jury's ability to make a proper decision.

Dicta: Dissent: we're only worried about unfair prejudice; you can't plead "partially guilty" to a crime.