character, evidence of Evidence as to character of a party to judicial proceedings is not (in general) admissible, unless the nature of the proceedings puts his character in issue. A defendant in criminal proceedings may always adduce evidence of good character. He is not to be asked questions as to his bad character unless he has put forward his character as good or attacked the characters of the prosecutor or witnesses for the prosecution. The protection against cross-examination as to bad character is lost when the accused gives evidence against any other person charged in the same proceedings .