|
I would be very surprised if the prosecution would be allowed, under the Rules of Evidence in New York State, to tender evidence of Stewart's prior misconduct, including engaging in fights with fellow drivers, or entering the racing surface to throw his helmet at a fellow competitor. Even prior criminal convictions can only be tendered if the accused testifies, or if he attempts to lead evidence of his good character; in the latter case, under Article 60 of the NY Code, only evidence of convictions relavent to the issue of his character in disupte are admissable. What is more, it is only the fact of the conviction itself that is admissable (and not the facts of the previous offence that led to the convictioni).
Brad
|