What is the term for evidence of prior bad acts by the accused?

The term for evidence of prior bad acts by the accused is known as "similar fact evidence." This kind of evidence is used in legal contexts to demonstrate a pattern of behavior by showcasing past actions that are relevant to the charges at hand. The purpose of introducing similar fact evidence is to establish that the accused has a tendency to engage in certain conduct, thereby strengthening the case against them in the eyes of the court.

The relevance of similar fact evidence lies in its ability to provide context regarding the accused's character or propensity to commit a specific type of crime. Courts often allow this evidence as it helps juries to make informed decisions based on a clearer picture of the accused's past behavior that may correlate with their current charges.

Circumstantial evidence refers to evidence that indirectly suggests a fact, while the concept of "bad luck evidence" is not a recognized legal term. Therefore, the identification of similar fact evidence as the correct answer highlights its significance in establishing a context around an accused's behavior related to prior offenses.