Which of the following is a permissible non-propensity purpose for other acts under Rule 404(b)?

• A. Proving propensity.
• B. Proof of identity.
• C. To prove the defendant's guilt.
• D. To prove character as a person.

Answer: (B)

Rule 404(b) allows other-acts evidence to be admitted for non-propensity purposes. One recognized non-propensity purpose is proving identity—the idea that a distinctive pattern, modus operandi, or signature in an uncharged act can connect the actor to the charged crime without implying the defendant is generally prone to crime. That’s why proving identity is the permissible non-propensity purpose. Using other acts to show propensity—that the person is the kind of individual who commits crimes—relies on character rather than a specific fact about this offense and is not allowed for proving the charged conduct. Similarly, using other acts to prove the defendant’s guilt or to prove the defendant’s character as a person would amount to leveraging propensity or general character evidence, which Rule 404(b) bars. So, proof of identity is the correct, permissible non-propensity purpose.