Page 394 - Magistrates Conference 2019

evidence, unless it is itself a fact in issue, or unless evidence has been given that he has a good
character, in which case evidence that he has a bad character is admissible. 207

Bad Character

Where evidence of his good character is given by any person who-

(a) being on his trial for any felony not punishable with death, has been previously convicted of
felony; or

(b) being on his trial for any offence involving fraud or dishonesty punishable under the
Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, or the Criminal Code, has been previously convicted of

any offence punishable on summary conviction or on indictment; or

(c) being on his trial for any offence in respect of coin punishable under either of the said Acts,

has been previously convicted of any offence in respect of coin:

The complainant or prosecutor, or the Crown, may, in answer to the evidence of good character,

give evidence of any of those previous convictions before the magistrate gives his decision, or
before the jury return its verdict, in respect of the offence for which the offender is being tried. 208

In this section, the word “character” means reputation as distinguished from disposition, and
evidence may be given only of general reputation, and not of particular acts by which reputation

or disposition is shown. 209

A person charged and called as a witness in pursuance of this Act shall not be asked and, if

asked, shall not be required to answer, any question tending to show that he has committed, or
been convicted of, or been charged with, any offence other than that wherewith he is then

charged, or is of bad character, unless (i) the proof that he has committed or been convicted of
that other offence is admissible evidence to show that he is guilty of the offence wherewith he is

then charged; or (ii) he has personally or by his attorney asked questions of the witnesses for the

prosecution with a view to establish his own good character, or has given evidence of his good

207 Belize – Evidence Act Cap. 95, section 51(1)
208 Belize – Evidence Act Cap. 95, section 51(2)
209 Belize – Evidence Act Cap. 95, section 51(3)
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