A defendant is on trial for robbery. During the trial, the prosecution seeks to introduce evidence that the defendant was carrying a handgun when arrested two weeks after the alleged robbery. The prosecution argues that this shows the defendant’s capacity to commit the crime. The defendant objects, arguing that the evidence should not be admitted. What is the trial court MOST likely to consider when deciding whether to admit the evidence?
Whether the handgun is connected directly to the robbery charged in the case.
Whether the handgun is relevant to establishing the defendant’s identity as the perpetrator of the robbery.
Whether the handgun's probative value is substantially outweighed by the potential to unfairly prejudice the jury.
Whether the handgun is admissible under the rules for admission of real evidence.
The correct answer is the best because it reflects a key principle of probative value: evidence must help prove or disprove a fact in question (its probative value) and must also survive a balancing test against its potential for unfair prejudice or confusion. While the handgun's presence may have some probative value in suggesting capacity, the connection between its discovery two weeks later and the alleged robbery is weak, and the risk of unfair prejudice is significant. Other options touch on considerations like relevance or admissibility rules but do not fully encompass the required balancing test under Federal Rule of Evidence 403.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is probative value in legal terms?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What does unfair prejudice mean in the context of trial evidence?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are Federal Rules of Evidence, particularly Rule 403?