Venue: |
SCOTUS
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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. |
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Posture: |
Convicted at trial, appeal. |
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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? |
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Holding: |
Yes. |
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Rule: |
Rule 403 instructs the court to weigh probative value against some
less desirable things, such as prejudice. |
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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. |
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Dicta: |
Dissent: we're only worried about unfair prejudice; you can't
plead "partially guilty" to a crime. |
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