Criminal Law
Introduction
How The Criminal Process Begins
Differences From The Civil Courts
Searches And Seizures
Grand Juries
Indictment
Arrest, Interrogation and Bail
Plea Bargains
Defenses and Exceptions
Evidence
Admissibility
Prejudicial Evidence
Illegally Obtained Evidence
Heresay Evidence
Evidence Frequently Asked Questions
Trial
Specific Offenses
Sentencing
Parole
Retaining a Criminal Defense Attorney
Your Criminal Case
Prejudicial Evidence
Evidence that is generally admissible will often be suppressed if the court determines that it is so prejudicial to the defendant that the outcome of the trial will be improperly influenced. Of course, any relevant evidence tending to show the defendant is guilty is inherently prejudicial. However, in a criminal trial, the meaning of "prejudicial evidence" goes to whether a jury will be so swayed that it will convict on emotion rather than proof. For example, the defendant's racism and bigotry is not admissible where race plays no part in the crime. The judge may hear and see all the evidence, even evidence that may be prejudicial, since she is expected to ignore its prejudicial character.