Opinion ID: 889224
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Insufficient Proof

Text: ¶ 55 Anderson contends that the State should have to prove allegations of other crimes, wrongs, or acts by at least a preponderance of the evidence, and she asserts that the State has not met that burden here. This is an important questionone that we left unresolved in State v. Link, 1999 MT 4, ¶ 24 n. 2, 293 Mont. 23, 974 P.2d 1124. However, in light of Anderson's subsequent arguments, we again decline to address the question as to what quantum of proof is sufficient for admitting other-acts evidence. Anderson argues that the prosecutor's proof is insufficient because the persons who witnessed the alleged abuse of Sister and Vanyel are all friendly with each other and no longer friendly with Anderson (the implication being that they are biased against Anderson) and because social workers investigated the reports of abuse and deemed them inconclusive, unfounded, or unsubstantiated. These issues, however, go to the weight of the evidence. Anderson is certainly free at trial to cross-examine the witnesses and attempt to discredit their testimony, and she may also present evidence to refute the prosecutor's allegations that the abuse occurred. But the evidence is not inadmissible just because Anderson believes the witnesses are not credible.