State v. Ellison
Supreme Court of Missouri, En Banc
239 S.W.3d 603 (Mo. 2007)
Relevant factsFree
Donald Ellison (defendant) was charged with child molestation, and over his objection the prosecution introduced his prior conviction for child abuse, relying on a recently enacted Missouri statute that specifically allowed propensity evidence in child sex-abuse prosecutions unless its prejudice outweighed its probative value. The jury convicted Ellison, and he appealed.
IssueFree
Whether evidence of a defendant's prior criminal acts may be admitted solely to demonstrate his propensity to commit the crime charged.