South Dakota Jury Instruction — CautionarInstructionio— - Similar Acts Evidence — Rule 40 4(b), F.R.E. In South Dakota, the jury is provided with cautionary instructions regarding the use of similar acts evidence in a trial, in accordance with Rule 40 4(b) of the Federal Rules of Evidence (F.R.E.). These instructions aim to guide the jury in evaluating such evidence and emphasizing its limited purpose in determining a defendant's guilt or innocence. One type of cautionary instruction in South Dakota is known as the "Similar Acts Evidence Cautionary Instruction." This instruction alerts the jury that evidence of a defendant's prior similar acts or crimes may be introduced during the trial. It emphasizes that such evidence must only be considered for specific limited purposes, such as establishing the defendant's motive, intent, knowledge, or absence of mistake or accident, rather than as proof of the defendant's general criminal disposition. Another type of cautionary instruction related to similar acts evidence is the "Credibility Cautionary Instruction." This instruction is given when similar acts evidence is introduced to attack the credibility of a witness. It informs the jury that such evidence can be used to evaluate the witness's truthfulness but should not be automatically extended to determine the defendant's guilt. The cautionary instructions provided to the jury in South Dakota regarding similar acts evidence serve to safeguard the defendant's right to a fair trial by ensuring that the jury does not use this evidence improperly or make unfair assumptions about the defendant's character. The instructions remind the jury to view such evidence with caution, weigh its relevance, and apply it only to the limited purposes specified by the court. By providing these cautionary instructions, South Dakota aims to maintain the integrity of the trial process and adhere to the principles of fairness and justice. The instructions help jurors navigate the complexities of similar acts evidence, ensuring that its use is appropriate and in line with the rules of evidence.