Opinion ID: 901893
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Mr. Rallis' testimony regarding attic shield top covers.

Text: [¶ 25.] Master Blaster argues that Chris Rallis introduced a new theory of causation at trial. At Rallis' depositions, he posited that the shields [9] used to prevent contact between the cellulose insulation [10] and the exhaust vent were insufficiently secured and allowed the insulation to come into proximity with the exhaust vent, leading to the fire. [¶ 26.] Rallis' reports, testimony and depositions repeatedly stated his theory that the fire was caused by the insulation getting too close to the exhaust vents. He suggested that the proximity of the insulation and the vent changed at some point. The reason for this change was unknown; however, Rallis hypothesized a number of scenarios, including motion in the attic shield, the shield being tipped over, insulation migration due to air currents, the vent itself moving, etc. [¶ 27.] Master Blaster argues that the specific factual scenario, that insulation came over the top of the attic shield because it did not have a top cover, was presented for the first time at trial. Supreme Pork responds that Rallis presented nothing new; the movement of insulation over the top of the shield is logically included in Rallis' general theory of preventing contact. [¶ 28.] As with Rallis' previous testimony regarding the Class A vents, discussed above, Rallis' testimony about attic shield top covers came in response to cross-examination. Reading the transcript, the top cover discussion arises from a hypothetical posed to Rallis by Master Blaster's counsel. This hypothetical doubles the depth of the insulation surrounding the attic shields from Rallis' previous assumption. Furthermore, the first suggestion that the shield needs to be covered was made by Master Blaster's counsel. [¶ 29.] Applying the areas of concern, the timing of this testimony favors Supreme Pork because it came in response to a direct question from Master Blaster. Further, there is no evidence of bad faith. While the issue of causation is a central issue in Supreme Pork's claims, the over the top of the shield theory did not substantially differ from Rallis' or Supreme Pork's central theory. Rallis' statements were observations and conclusions made about the hypothetical posed to him by Master Blaster. The manner in which this testimony came to be presented simply does not support a conclusion that this was previously undisclosed testimony necessitating reversal. We do not find the admission of the discussion of attic shield top covers to be an abuse of discretion. [¶ 30.] 3. Whether the trial court erred when it admitted evidence of non-causal code violations on the same project and evidence regarding a 1999 fire at another facility. For evidence to be admitted during trial, it first must be found to be relevant. Once the evidence is found to be relevant, it is admissible unless it is specifically excluded. The applicable statute involved in the instant case is SDCL 19-12-5 (FRE 404(b)), which provides: Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove the character of a person in order to show that he acted in conformity therewith. It may, however, be admissible for other purposes, such as proof of motive, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident. Furthermore, this statute is a rule of inclusion. Therefore, if evidence of other acts is relevant, it is admissible for any legitimate purpose other than to prove the character of the defendant. Even if the evidence is relevant and offered for an acceptable purpose, SDCL 19-12-3 (FRE 403) acts as a type of safeguard that allows evidence of other acts to be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by other factors such as unfair prejudice. It is important to remember, however, that because virtually all relevant evidence presented at trial is harmful to the other party, this is not what is meant by unfair prejudice. To cause unfair prejudice, the evidence must persuade the jury in an unfair and illegitimate way. As we stated in State v. Steichen: Prejudicial evidence is that which has the capacity to persuade the jury by illegitimate means which results in one party having an unfair advantage. Evidence is not prejudicial merely because its legitimate probative force damages the defendant's case. Even though the admission of [other] acts evidence will usually result in such prejudice, it will not be admitted only if that prejudice is unfair. 1998 SD 126, ¶ 27, 588 N.W.2d 870, 876. Moreover, admission of the evidence is favored under SDCL 19-12-3, and the judicial power to exclude such evidence should be used sparingly. Novak v. McEldowney, 2002 SD 162, ¶¶ 10-11, 655 N.W.2d 909, 913 (citations omitted) (emphasis added). The party objecting to the admission of evidence has the burden of establishing that the trial concerns expressed in Rule 403 substantially outweigh probative value. A trial court's determination to admit other acts evidence will not be overruled absent an abuse of discretion. Upon review we must be careful not to substitute our reasoning for that of the trial court. On review the question is not whether we would have admitted the prior bad acts evidence if we had been the trial judges. Instead, we must ask whether the trial court in the case below abused its discretion by admitting the prior bad acts evidence. Therefore, if the prior bad acts evidence was introduced for any proper purpose, its use is sustainable on appeal. State v. Mattson, 2005 SD 71, ¶¶ 20-21, 698 N.W.2d 538, 546 (citations omitted).