REVIEW and SUMMARY: Conviction Evidence | ||
Purpose | Admissible? | Rationale |
Propensity to commit a particular crime | NO | Unfairly prejudicial |
Propensity to commit a sexual assault | Federal: YES | Rape is treated differently |
MIMIC | YES | Directly relevant to the current charges; not offered for propensity |
Impeaching a Witness's Character for Veracity | Federal: Crimes of deceit; NO misdemeanors; balancing must take place for felonies | Convictions for crimes of dishonesty or for serious crimes may show that a witness is willing to lie under oath |
Impeaching a Character Witness's Knowledge | Federal: Yes, but questions only; purpose: impeachment only, not propensity | Convictions are the kind of things that affect people's opinions and reputations |