Which type of material is considered prejudicial during a trial?

The mention of previous convictions is considered prejudicial during a trial because such information can bias the jury or judge against the defendant, influencing their decision-making process. Previous convictions may lead jurors to assume that the defendant has a propensity for committing crimes, affecting their perception of the current case's evidence and the defendant's character.

In legal contexts, maintaining the presumption of innocence is essential. Introducing a defendant's past criminal history can undermine this principle and create an unfair trial situation. The court typically aims to evaluate the current case on its own merits, without the influence of potentially damaging background information about the defendant's past. This is why the mention of previous convictions is particularly scrutinized and often deemed prejudicial.

On the other hand, basic details of the crime, the name and charge of the accused, and descriptions of the defendant are generally viewed as necessary context for the trial and can be disclosed without the same level of prejudicial impact. They provide essential information that helps jurors understand the nature of the case without unfairly influencing their judgment regarding the defendant's guilt or innocence.