Canadian Criminal Evidence/Character

Introduction

Character evidence is evidence that invites the trier of fact to make an inference that the person is of a certain "type", thus inferring that the person acted consistently with that type of character. Character evidence can often become prejudicial to the accused and so must be taken with care.

Character of Victim

The accused is generally permitted to introduce evidence of the deceased's victim's prior record as well as transcripts of the a related proceedings to establish a propensity for violence.

Topics

• Character of Accused
• Similar Fact Evidence
• Alternative Suspect Evidence