Section 54 - Methods of proving character

(1) Except as provided in sections 83 to 85 relating to the credibility of a witness, and in subsection (2) of this section, in the circumstances in which evidence of the character or trait of the character of a person is admissible, the evidence may only be in the form of an opinion or evidence or reputation.

(2) Evidence of the character or a trait of the character of a person may not be in the form of specific instances of the person’s conduct, except where the character or the trait of the character of that person is an essential element of a charge, claim or defence.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2), evidence of specific instances of the person’s conduct, including the commission of a crime or civil wrong, may be admissible to show the facts as motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity or absence of mistake or accident.