People v. Morris

Rivera, J. (dissenting).

The majority’s decision extends a limited exception for background and narrative evidence to the well established rule prohibiting admission of uncharged crimes. The majority upholds the admission of evidence of a 911 tape recording of unsubstantiated allegations of criminal activity, despite its lack of relevance to the charges against the defendant, and its prejudicial impact on the fairness of the trial. I dissent.

The rule prohibiting the admission of uncharged crimes is long standing (see People v Arafet, 13 NY3d 460, 464-465 [2009]; People v Giles, 11 NY3d 495,…