Opinion ID: 150603
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Probative Value v. Prejudicial Effect

Text: Given the relevance of Lee's statements, [23] we next determine under Huddleston whether, pursuant to Rule 403, the danger of unfair prejudice substantially outweighs the probative value of the statements. 485 U.S. at 691, 108 S.Ct. 1496. Given the substantial deference owed to district courts in weighing evidence under Rule 403, combined with the highly probative value of the evidenceparticularly Lee's statements about his feud with Harris and what that revealed about Lee's motivethe District Court's decision to admit those statements was not arbitrary or irrational. See Univ. Rehab. Servs., 205 F.3d at 669 ([We] cannot reverse a District Court's conclusion under Federal Rule 403 unless such a conclusion is ... `arbitrary or irrational.' (citation omitted)). Indeed, the statements reveal Lee's motive to possess weapons on the day in question, which is highly probative in a case like this, in which the defendant has denied possession all together. [24]