Missouri Voters Enact Analogue to Federal Rule 414

Among yesterday’s election results, Missouri voters passed (72% to 28%) a measure analagous to Federal Rule of Evidence 414 (Similar Crimes in Child-Molestation Cases).  Information about the measure is available here

Colin probably knows if this is the only example of this type of rule enacted directly by voters, but it is interesting to see the level of popular support for the rule.

The precise language is: 

“Section 18(c). Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 17 and 18(a) of this article to the contrary, in prosecutions for crimes of a sexual nature involving a victim under eighteen years of age, relevant evidence of prior criminal acts, whether charged or uncharged, is admissible for the purpose of corroborating the victim’s testimony or demonstrating the defendant’s propensity to commit the crime with which he or she is presently charged. The court may exclude relevant evidence of prior criminal acts if the probative value of the evidence is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.”