Salt Lake Utah Jury Instruction — CautionarInstructionio— - Similar Acts Evidence — Rule 404(b), F.R.E. The Salt Lake Utah Jury Instruction for Cautionary Instruction regarding Similar Acts Evidence under Rule 404(b) of the Federal Rules of Evidence aims to guide jurors on the proper consideration of evidence involving previous similar acts committed by the defendant in a trial. This type of instruction becomes relevant when the prosecution introduces evidence of the defendant's prior similar conduct to establish character, motive, or intent. The purpose of this cautionary instruction is to ensure that jurors do not use the evidence of the defendant's prior similar acts to infer that the defendant has a propensity to commit the crime they are currently charged with. The instruction highlights that the evidence is admissible solely for specific purposes as laid out by Rule 404(b) and should not be used to conclude that the defendant is guilty merely because they may have committed similar acts in the past. There may be different variations or types of cautionary instructions for similar acts evidence under Rule 404(b) in Salt Lake Utah, depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the judge's discretion. Some of these variations could include the following: 1. Standard Cautionary Instruction: This instruction provides a general framework for jurors to consider the evidence of similar acts. It emphasizes that the evidence should only be used for limited purposes and not as proof of the defendant's guilt. 2. Limiting Instruction: In certain cases, the judge may provide a specific limiting instruction to guide jurors on the precise purposes for which they can consider the similar acts evidence. For instance, the instruction might specify that the evidence is admissible to demonstrate motive, knowledge, or absence of mistake. 3. Weighing Instruction: In situations where the similar acts evidence carries a potential for prejudice, the judge may instruct jurors on how to evaluate or weigh such evidence in relation to the other evidence presented in the case. This instruction aims to ensure that the jury considers the evidence in a fair and balanced manner. 4. Curative Instruction: In the event that the jury erroneously makes a propensity inference from the similar acts evidence despite the cautionary instruction, the judge may provide a curative instruction to rectify this error. The curative instruction clarifies that propensity alone should not form the basis for determining the defendant's guilt. Overall, the Salt Lake Utah Jury Instruction for Cautionary Instruction on Similar Acts Evidence under Rule 404(b), F.R.E. aims to govern the jury's consideration of such evidence, promoting fairness and preventing unfair prejudice against the defendant. It ensures that jurors understand the limited purposes for which they should use the past similar acts evidence and guides them in their quest for justice.