Molineux hearing

A Molineaux hearing is a New York State pre-trial hearing on the admissibility of evidence of prior uncharged crimes by the defendant in a criminal trial. In most cases evidence of prior uncharged crimes is not admissible because of its potential prejudicial effect. Under certain circumstances it may be admissible. If the prosecutor wishes to bring in evidence of prior uncharges crimes he requests a Molineaux hearing. The judge decides if the evidence is admissible. [People v. Molineaux 168 N.Y. 264]