A Molineux hearing is a New York State pre-trial hearing on the admissibility of evidence of prior uncharged crimes by the defendant in a criminal trial. In most cases evidence of prior uncharged crimes is not admissible because of its potential prejudicial effect. Under certain circumstances it may be admissible. If the prosecutor wishes to bring in evidence of prior uncharged crimes he requests a Molineux hearing. The judge decides if the evidence is admissible.
Famous quotes containing the word hearing:
“I do not allow myself to be moved by anything except the law. If there has been a mistake in the law, or if I think there has been perjury or injustice, I will weigh the petition most carefully, but I do not permit myself to be moved by more harrowing details, and I try to treat each case as if I was reviewing it or hearing it for the first time from the bench.”
—William Howard Taft (1857–1930)