Explanatory Memorandum to Criminal Justice (Evidence) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 Explanatory Memorandum

“Attack on another person’s character”

20.Article 11 deals with evidence that becomes admissible as a result of the defendant attacking another person’s character. A defendant attacks another person’s character if he gives evidence that they have committed an offence of have behaved in a reprehensible way.

21.A suggestion that a witness is mistaken is not intended to adduce this provision.

22.Where a defendant has attacked another person’s character evidence of his own bad character becomes admissible.

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