South Carolina Jury Instruction — Similar ActEvidencenc— - Rule 404(b), FRE In South Carolina, the jury instructions regarding similar acts evidence follow Rule 404(b) of the Federal Rules of Evidence (ARE). This rule pertains to the admittance of evidence that shows a defendant's prior or subsequent acts to demonstrate motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident. There are different types of South Carolina Jury Instructions that fall under Rule 404(b), ARE. These instructions are centered around the principles and guidelines judges provide to juries when considering the admissibility and use of similar acts evidence in criminal trials. Here are some of the specific types: 1. South Carolina Jury Instruction — Similar ActEvidencenc— - Introduction: This instruction provides an overview of the purpose and scope of Rule 404(b), ARE, helping the jury understand why evidence of similar acts may be presented during a trial. 2. South Carolina Jury Instruction — Similar ActEvidencenc— - Motive: This instruction focuses on how similar acts evidence can establish a defendant's motive for committing the charged offense. It explains that such evidence should be considered when it tends to show the defendant had a reason or incentive to commit the alleged crime. 3. South Carolina Jury Instruction — Similar ActEvidencenc— - Opportunity: This instruction elaborates on how similar acts evidence can help prove a defendant had the opportunity to commit the charged offense. It describes that evidence demonstrating the defendant's past actions in similar circumstances may suggest a likelihood of opportunity for the alleged crime. 4. South Carolina Jury Instruction — Similar ActEvidencenc— - Intent: This instruction clarifies how similar acts evidence can establish a defendant's intent or state of mind at the time of the alleged offense. It informs the jury that evidence of the defendant's prior or subsequent acts may be admitted to demonstrate their intent to commit the charged crime. 5. South Carolina Jury Instruction — Similar ActEvidencenc— - Knowledge: This instruction addresses how similar acts evidence can demonstrate a defendant's knowledge relevant to the charged offense. It instructs the jury to consider evidence of the defendant's previous acts that indicate they were aware of facts or circumstances related to the alleged crime. 6. South Carolina Jury Instruction — Similar ActEvidencenc— - Identity: This instruction deals with similar acts evidence that helps establish the identity of the person who committed the charged offense. It explains that evidence of prior or subsequent acts by the defendant may be admitted if it demonstrates common characteristics or distinctive modus operandi. 7. South Carolina Jury Instruction — Similar ActEvidencenc— - Preparation: This instruction outlines how similar acts evidence can support the prosecution's claim that the defendant prepared or planned the charged offense in advance. It advises the jury to consider evidence that shows the defendant's previous acts were taken to make the commission of the alleged crime easier. 8. South Carolina Jury Instruction — Similar ActEvidencenc— - Absence of Mistake or Accident: This instruction focuses on how similar acts evidence can be used to show that the defendant did not commit the charged offense by mistake or accident. It guides the jury to consider evidence of the defendant's past acts when it disputes any accidental or inadvertent explanation. These are examples of the various types of South Carolina Jury Instructions that cover the admissibility and utilization of similar acts evidence under Rule 404(b), ARE. They assist the jury in properly evaluating and weighing the relevance and probative value of such evidence in criminal trials.