IEA Section 54 — Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply

Summary

In a criminal case, the fact that the accused person has a bad character generally cannot be used as evidence against them. However, if the accused first introduces evidence that they have a good character, then evidence of their bad character becomes relevant and can be brought up in response.

Official Text

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.

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BSA §49 — Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply