Commentary on Articles

Interpretation of Part II

Part III:  Hearsay Evidence

33.Article 17defines terms employed in this Part of the Order.

Paragraph (2) makes it clear that where the defendant is charged with 2 or more offences the provisions of this Part refer to each Part as separate proceedings.   This means that bad character evidence that is admissible in relation to one charge in the proceedings is not automatically admissible in relation to another charge in the same proceedings.

Paragraph (3) makes it clear that nothing in this Part affects the exclusion of evidence on certain other grounds.  These are: