| 释义 |
antecedents
pl. n. An accused or convicted person’s previous convictions or history of bad character. Traditionally, such evidence has been admissible only for the purpose of determining sentence after conviction but, under the Criminal Justice Act 2003, evidence of the defendant’s bad character may be admitted in determining guilt under certain conditions. Where the defendant’s antecedents are admitted for the purpose of determining sentence, the allegations must be capable of being proven and, if challenged by the defence, the prosecution must prove the allegations under the general rules of evidence. If the allegations are not proven through admissible evidence, the court may not consider them in passing sentence. |