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State of Iowa v. Nelson

Iowa Supreme Court

791 N.W.2d 414 (2010)

Facts

Calvin Nelson (defendant) was charged with the murder of Michael Collins. The case theory of the prosecution (plaintiff) was that Collins was in the area because he had approached Nelson to buy drugs. For the stated purpose of corroborating that theory, the prosecution introduced drugs that were found in Nelson’s car and a box from a scale that was found in Nelson’s home. The prosecution also presented testimony stating that Nelson killed Collins because Nelson thought Collins was an undercover police officer who was going to arrest him for selling drugs. The jury convicted Nelson. The court of appeals reversed, finding that the evidence of Nelson’s drug activity should not have been admitted. The prosecution appealed, arguing additionally on appeal that the drug evidence was admissible to prove Nelson’s motive and intent.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Wiggins, J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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