Section 54
Previous bad character not relevant except in reply
In criminal proceedings the fact that the accused person has a bad character is irrelevant, unless evidence has been given that he has a good character, in which case it becomes relevant.
(2)
A person charged and called as a witness shall not be asked, and if asked shall not be required to answer, any question tending to show that he has committed, or been convicted of or been charged with, any offence other than that wherewith he is then charged, or is of bad character, unless—
(a)
the proof that he has committed or been convicted of that other offence is admissible evidence to show that he is guilty of the offence wherewith he is then charged;
Evidence 47
(b)
he has personally or by his advocate asked questions of the witnesses for the prosecution with a view to establish his own good character, or has given evidence of his good character, or the nature or conduct of the defence is such as to involve imputations on the character of the prosecutor or the witnesses for the prosecution; or
(c)
he has given evidence against any other person charged with the same offence.
Explanation 1—This section does not apply to cases in which the bad character of any person is itself a fact in issue.
Explanation 2—A previous conviction is relevant as evidence of bad character.