California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Gonzales, A151419 (Cal. App. 2018):
court must carefully evaluate the uncharged crime evidence to ensure its prejudicial effect does not substantially outweigh its probative value. This evaluation must be particularly careful when assessing cumulative evidence of intent. "[E]vidence of uncharged acts cannot be used to prove something that other evidence showed was beyond dispute; the prejudicial effect of the evidence of the uncharged acts outweighs its probative value . . . as it is cumulative regarding that issue." (People v. Lopez (2011) 198 Cal.App.4th 698, 715 (Lopez).) " '[A]dmission of other crimes evidence cannot be justified merely by asserting an admissible purpose. Such evidence may only be admitted if it "(a) 'tends logically, naturally and by reasonable inference' to prove the issue upon which it is offered; (b) is offered upon an issue which will ultimately prove to be material to the People's case; and (c) is not merely cumulative with respect to other evidence which the People may use to prove the same issue." ' " (Id. at p. 716.)
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