People v. Williams

Opinion

POLLAK, J.

Defendant Jack B. Williams was convicted by a jury of committing various assaults on a 71-year-old man. Over defendant’s objection, the prosecution presented evidence that defendant had committed two previous attacks on older men. On appeal he challenges the constitutionality of Evidence Code section 1109, subdivision (a)(2), 1 which authorizes the admission of evidence of prior bad acts in this context. We reject that challenge and shall affirm defendant’s conviction.

Background

At trial there was substantial evidence of the following facts. The 71-year-old victim testified…