Specific acts for noncharacter purposes

Q14873 / key B

404(b): Purpose Beats Propensity

selected 32020404 / source 32020404

Q14883 / key B

404(b): Test Both Offered Acts

selected 32020404 / source 32020404

Q14896 / key A

404(b): Identity Needs a Bridge

selected 32020404 / source 32020402

Q19579 / key B

Entrapment Opens Predisposition Proof

selected 32020404 / source 32020404

Q22231 / key C

Plan Theory Beats Propensity

selected 32020404 / source 32020404

Gold Key / Q14873

GK-EVIDENCE-404B-NONPROPENSITY-01

Prior bad acts are not usable for propensity, but they may be used for a non-propensity purpose such as intent or absence of mistake or accident when that purpose is genuinely disputed.

Silver Key / Q14873

SK-EVIDENCE-PURPOSE-AXIS-01

In a character-evidence array, lock the offered purpose before the admissibility word.

Trap Key / Q14873

TK-EVIDENCE-CHARACTER-LABEL-PANIC

Do not stop at 'prior bad act.' Ask whether the answer uses it for propensity or for a permitted non-propensity purpose.

Gold Key / Q14883

GK-EVIDENCE-404B-NONCHARACTER-01

Rule 404(b) bars propensity use, but permits other-act evidence offered for a real noncharacter purpose such as motive, plan, knowledge, identity, absence of mistake, or consciousness of guilt.

Proof drill / Q14873

Purpose Lock

A defendant claims a killing was accidental. Prior violence against the same victim is offered. What permitted 404(b) purpose should you test?

Intent or absence of accident.

Proof drill / Q14883

Two-Item Array

In an arson trial, the defendant bought extra fire insurance and threatened a prosecution witness. Which item has a noncharacter purpose?

Both. Insurance shows motive, and the threat shows consciousness of guilt or witness suppression.

What this page must catch

Calling every prior act propensity even when motive, intent, or identity is doing the work.