State v. Thompson

As a general rule, evidence of previous or subsequent criminal acts, wholly independent of the criminal offense for which a defendant is on trial, is inadmissible. State v. Wilkinson (1980), 64 Ohio St. 2d 308, 314; State v. Curry (1975), 43 Ohio St. 2d 66, 68-69; State v. Burson (1974), 38 Ohio St. 2d 157, 158; State v. Hector (1969), 19 Ohio St. 2d 167, paragraph one of the syllabus; Whiteman v. State (1928), 119 Ohio St. 285; State v. Lawrence (1906), 74 Ohio St. 38.

R. C. 2945.59 codifies exceptions to this general rule. It provides:

“In any criminal case in which the defendant’s motive or…