9.3.5 Spillover

• Library: Criminal Procedure in Practice (ABA) (2018 Ed.)

9.3.5 Spillover

In cases where codefendants are being tried together, often evidence admissible against one defendant will be inadmissible against others, such as with admissions or evidence of prior bad acts. "Spillover" occurs when that inadmissible evidence is improperly used by the jury against the other defendants. It is difficult for defendants to show prejudicial spillover when proper limiting instructions are given. The courts generally find that "the proof was carefully compartmentalized as to...