Originally Posted by
A Squared
That's true of a criminal prosecution. Is that true in a civil lawsuit?
It's not hard and fast by any means, but the defense will certainly try to exclude stuff like that. Depends on state law and precedent, and the judge.
The principle is that cases should be tried on their merits alone, and it muddies the water to bring in history which was not part of the circumstances in question. Somewhat understandable, otherwise you could pretty much convict someone for simply having done it a few times previously and not having an alibi.