Delaware Jury Instruction — CautionarInstructionio— - Similar Acts Evidence — Rule 404(b), F.R.E. The Delaware Jury Instruction — CautionarInstructionio— - Similar Acts Evidence — Rule 404(b), F.R.E. refers to a set of guidelines and explanations provided to the jury in a Delaware court case when considering the admission of similar acts evidence. In Delaware, Rule 404(b), F.R.E. pertains to the use of evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts to establish a person's character or propensity for a particular action. Cautionary Instruction: One type of Delaware Jury Instruction related to Rule 404(b), F.R.E. is the Cautionary Instruction. This instruction is crucial for the jury to understand that evidence of prior similar acts should not automatically lead to the assumption that the accused is guilty of the current charged offense. Instead, the jury should carefully consider this evidence solely for specific purposes, such as proving motive, intent, knowledge, plan, identity, absence of mistake, or any other relevant purpose. The Cautionary Instruction serves as a reminder to the jury to give fair and balanced consideration to all evidence presented. Similar Acts Evidence: Delaware Jury Instruction — CautionarInstructionio— - Similar Acts Evidence — Rule 404(b), F.R.E. focuses on the admissibility of evidence related to the accused's prior similar acts. These acts may be crimes, wrongs, or other bad behaviors that bear resemblance or relevance to the charged offense. The purpose of admitting similar acts evidence is to provide the jury with additional context or evidence of the accused's propensity, state of mind, intent, or modus operandi. Types of Similar Acts Evidence: Within Delaware Jury Instructions pertaining to Rule 404(b), F.R.E., several types of similar acts evidence may be considered: 1. Prior Convictions: Evidence of previous convictions related to similar offenses can be admitted to establish the accused's propensity for committing such acts. 2. Habitual Behavior: Evidence of a consistent pattern of behavior that aligns with the charged offense can be presented to demonstrate the accused's habit and inclination. 3. Planning or Preparation: Evidence of prior actions that demonstrate similar planning or preparation can be used to show the accused's modus operandi. 4. Motive and Intent: Evidence of prior acts that reveal the accused's motive or intent can help the jury understand the underlying motivations in the charged offense. 5. Identity: Similar acts evidence can be relevant to prove the identity of the accused by displaying a distinctive or unique pattern that links them to the charged offense. 6. Absence of Mistake: Evidence of prior acts involving similar circumstances, but different outcomes can show that the accused did not make a mistake in the current charged offense. 7. Knowledge: Evidence of the accused's prior knowledge or awareness of specific facts or procedures related to the charged offense can be presented to prove state of mind. In sum, the Delaware Jury Instruction — CautionarInstructionio— - Similar Acts Evidence — Rule 404(b), F.R.E. provides guidance to jurors on how to consider and evaluate similar acts evidence. It emphasizes the importance of not automatically concluding guilt based on such evidence but rather using it only for specific purposes. By providing detailed instructions, the Delaware court system aims to ensure a fair and just evaluation of all evidence presented during a trial.