Synopsis: |
At present, evidence of previous misconduct (including previous criminal convictions) can only be brought forward in English and Welsh criminal courts in very limited circumstances. This Law Commission report proposes that these limitations should be modified. For example, the defence should be free to put forward evidence without fear of "tit for tat" disclosure of past, irrelevant misbehaviour by the defendant. The "previous" should be admissible as evidence, only to the extent that it is strictly relevant to the case. "Previous" which is "stale" or irrelevant, should not be admissible. |