Colorado Jury Instruction — CautionarInstructionio— - Similar Acts Evidence — Rule 404(b), F.R.E. In Colorado, the Cautionary Instruction related to Similar Acts Evidence operates under Rule 404(b) of the Federal Rules of Evidence (F.R.E.). Similar Acts Evidence refers to evidence that is presented in court to demonstrate a person's propensity to act in a particular way based on their past actions or behavior. The purpose of the Cautionary Instruction is to assist the jury in understanding and evaluating the evidence presented regarding the defendant's prior similar acts or conduct. By providing this instruction, the court aims to ensure that the jury does not misuse or misinterpret the evidence in a way that could unfairly prejudice the defendant's case. The jury is instructed to consider similar acts evidence only for limited purposes, such as determining the defendant's motive, intent, knowledge, absence of mistake, or as evidence of a common plan or scheme. The Cautionary Instruction emphasizes that the jury should not use this evidence to conclude that the defendant has a character flaw or is more likely to commit the current offense simply because of their past behavior. There are different types of Cautionary Instructions applicable to Similar Acts Evidence under Rule 404(b), F.R.E., in Colorado. These include: 1. Cautionary Instruction — General Similar Acts Evidence: This instruction is used when the prosecution presents evidence of the defendant's prior similar acts to establish motive, intent, knowledge, absence of mistake, or a common plan or scheme. It informs the jury about the limited purposes for which the evidence may be considered. 2. Cautionary Instruction — Hearsay Similar Acts Evidence: This instruction specifically addresses situations where the prosecution presents hearsay evidence of the defendant's prior similar acts. It reminds the jury to use caution when considering such evidence, as hearsay carries its own set of reliability concerns. 3. Cautionary Instruction — Limited Purpose Similar Acts Evidence: This instruction is employed when the court determines that the evidence of the defendant's similar acts is admissible for a specific limited purpose. It directs the jury to consider the evidence solely within the framework of that limited purpose and not to draw broader conclusions about the defendant's character. By providing these Cautionary Instructions, the court aims to safeguard the defendant's right to a fair trial while allowing the jury to appropriately assess the importance and relevance of similar acts evidence. It encourages the jury to weigh such evidence within the proper boundaries dictated by Rule 404(b), F.R.E., and to base their decision solely on the facts and issues presented in the current case.