Part 4/11:
One core issue in the case involves whether evidence of uncharged misconduct should influence verdicts. The prosecution argued that such evidence helps establish a pattern of behavior, thus illuminating the defendant's modus operandi. The defense contended this approach risks prejudice, unfairly maligning Weinstein's character beyond the charges at hand.
This debate isn't new; similar controversies have arisen in landmark cases like that of Bill Cosby, whose conviction was ultimately overturned due to prosecutorial misconduct linked to promises made not to pursue other charges. The underlying question remains: should prior bad acts, especially uncharged or unconvicted ones, be admissible, and to what extent should they influence the outcome?