Section 54Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply

s. 54

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. 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.