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In criminal trials, prosecutors must navigate the fine line between relevance and irrelevance when introducing a defendant’s prior bad acts. The Supreme Court in People v. Ewoldt clarifies that the necessity of such evidence hinges on its relevance to the intent or identity of the defendant. Understanding this nuance is crucial, as the degree of similarity between prior conduct and the charges can significantly impact its admissibility. For intent, less similarity suffices; however, establishing a common scheme demands more than mere resemblance. Identity cases require the most stringent evidence of similarity, akin to a unique signature. Dive deeper into how these principles shape the admissibility of prior bad acts in criminal cases. Continue reading →