... exceptions to the general rule: first, where it would be admissible to prove he is guilty of the offence charged, in the main similar fact evidence, but also including evidence under various statutes; second, where he has sought to establish that he is of good character or has attacked the character of a prosecution witness or a deceased victim; and third, where he has given evidence against a co-defendant in the proceedings. It has long been acknowledged that the law in this area is highly unsatisfactory in its complexity and uncertainty. The Criminal Law Revision Committee in 1972, and the Runciman Royal Commission in 1973 recommended continuation of the scheme of general exclusion, but subject to slightly different exceptions, the latter also recommending that the Law Commission should consider it. In 1994 the Law Commission was asked to do so; it produced a consultation paper in 1996 prior to publishing its ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now