Now that parts of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 are in force, in certain circumstances evidence of a defendant's bad character can be placed before a jury. This includes not only previous convictions, but also 'other reprehensible behaviour' - which, presumably, means behaviour that the man on the Clapham omnibus would disapprove of.


What fun prosecuting counsel can have now. The defendant is clearly guilty because he has committed adultery, he watches pornographic films, he has smoked cannabis, and he picks his nose. He must be dishonest.



Steven Baggott, Mason Baggott and Garton, Brigg