Which of the following is a permissible purpose under Rule 404(b)(2) for admitting evidence of other crimes?

Which of the following is a permissible purpose under Rule 404(b)(2) for admitting evidence of other crimes?

• A. To prove the defendant's character to show conduct in conformity.
• B. To prove motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, absence of mistake, or lack of accident.
• C. To prove the defendant is a good person.
• D. To impeach the defendant's credibility.

Answer: (B)

Rule 404(b)(2) allows evidence of other crimes for purposes other than proving the defendant’s propensity. The permissible purposes include motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, absence of mistake, or lack of accident. The option that lists these purposes matches exactly what the rule allows, so it is the correct choice. The other options rely on portraying the defendant’s character or use impeachment, neither of which falls under the permissible 404(b)(2) purposes.

Rule 404(b)(2) allows evidence of other crimes for purposes other than proving the defendant’s propensity. The permissible purposes include motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, absence of mistake, or lack of accident. The option that lists these purposes matches exactly what the rule allows, so it is the correct choice. The other options rely on portraying the defendant’s character or use impeachment, neither of which falls under the permissible 404(b)(2) purposes.