What is the state of the law in relation to the introduction of evidence in a criminal case?
The following excerpt is from People v. Henson, 304 N.E.2d 358, 33 N.Y.2d 63, 349 N.Y.S.2d 657 (N.Y. 1973):
Completely without merit is the defendants' point that the introduction of the evidence just set out constituted reversible error on the ground that it was merely 'designed to show a propensity or criminal bent to commit the crimes charged'. It is a well-recognized exception to the general rule, excluding evidence of collateral conduct, that such evidence is admissible if, among other things, it tends to negative the defense of 'accident' or mistake. (See, e.g., People v.
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