Opinion ID: 1986588
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: issues

Text: Mitchell's appeal questions the reach of Iowa Rule of Evidence 404(b). This rule recognizes two fundamental principles: first, that evidence of other bad acts is relevant to whether a defendant committed the charged crime, and second, the reality that such evidence, while highly probative, is also highly prejudicial to a defendant. The rule attempts to balance these competing interests by presuming that other crimes evidence is inadmissible and placing the burden on the State to show the evidence is relevant for some purpose other than to show the defendant acted in a manner conforming to the other bad acts. See State v. Cott, 283 N.W.2d 324, 326 (Iowa 1979) (The purpose of the rule is to exclude from the jury's consideration evidence which has no relevancy except to show the defendant is a bad person and thus likely committed the crime in question.). Mitchell contends the State has not met its burden here. Although the State argued at trial, and urges on appeal, that Susanna's and Karen's testimony was relevant to corroborate Amy's testimony and bolster her credibility, Mitchell asserts that their testimony is nothing more than propensity evidence. By its very nature, the tendered proof suggested that Susanna and Karen were testifying truthfully, that Mitchell had previously abused them, and that Mitchell acted in conformity with this behavior by abusing Amy. Thus, Mitchell argues, the jury was able to use testimony of other bad acts for the exact purpose for which it is not allowed under rule 404(b): to show Mitchell's bad character in order to prove that he acted in conformity therewith.