Commentary on Articles

Defendant’s bad character

12.Article 6 provides that evidence of a defendant’s bad character is admissible in the following circumstances:

13.Where evidence has substantial probative value in relation to an important issue between the defendant and co-defendant, or where the defendant has attacked the character of another person, the admissibility of evidence is subject to an application by the defendant to have the evidence excluded if admitting it would have such an adverse effect on the fairness of the trial that it ought to be excluded.