State of Washington v. Jose Jesus Mancilla

¶1 In the context of a criminal trial, gang evidence is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, such evidence can help jurors understand relationships between defendants and how various symbols and terminology suggest motive and intent. But on the other hand, gang evidence can be problematic. Merely suggesting an accused is a gang member raises the concern he or she will be judged guilty based on negative stereotypes as opposed to actual evidence of wrongdoing. Accordingly, the State’s use of gang evidence requires close judicial scrutiny.

¶2 The State’s gang evidence here largely stands up to…