The starting position is that evidence of a person’s misconduct or disposition towards misconduct is deemed inadmissible and should not form part of any trial.
However, there are a number of ways in which this evidence may be admitted. The judge will consider the nature and severity of any prior misconduct, the number of past incidents, the time that has elapsed and their relevance to the allegations in question. The conduct of the accused during trial might also have a bearing on the decision to admit evidence of bad character.
The defendant and their legal representation must be prepared to ensure any application for its admittance is robustly opposed, and where the application is granted, to ensure the prejudicial effect is limited.
Vardags Limited is a limited company trading as Vardags, Company No 7199468, registered in England and Wales, having its registered office at 10 Old Bailey, London EC4M 7NG. Vardags is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Number 535955). Its VAT number is 99 001 7230.
Vardags uses the term ‘Partner’ as a professional title only, to describe a Senior Solicitor, Employee or Consultant with relevant experience, expertise and qualifications (whether legally qualified or otherwise) to merit the title. Our Partners are not partners in the legal sense. They are not liable for the debts, liabilities or obligations of Vardags Limited. Similarly, the term ’Director’ is a professional title only, to describe a non-legally qualified employee or consultant of Vardags with relevant experience, expertise and qualifications to merit the title. It does not necessarily imply that the relevant individual is a director of Vardags Limited.
A list of the directors of Vardags Limited and a list of the names of those using the title of ’Director’ and ’Partner’ together with their official status is available for inspection at Vardags’ registered office.