imputations Statements ascribing misconduct or fault to some person. It was established in Selvey v DPP [1970] AC 304 that the Criminal Evidence Act 1898 (UK), s. 1 (f) (ii), permits cross-examination of an accused person as to his character when imputations on the character of the prosecutor and witnesses are cast so as to show their unreliability as witnesses, independently of the evidence they have given, and when the casting of such imputations is essential to allow the accused to establish a defence.