Malta

Criminal Code

BOOK SECOND
LAWS OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

PART I
OF THE AUTHORITIES TO WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE IS ENTRUSTED

Title IV Of the Criminal Court

459A. (1) The accused who takes the stand to testify shall not be asked, and if asked shall not be required to answer, any question tending to show that he has committed or been convicted of or been charged with any offence other than the one with which he is accused, or is of bad character, unless -
(a) the proof that he has committed or been convicted of such other offence is admissible evidence to show that he is guilty of an offence with which he is accused; or
(b) he has personally or by his advocate asked questions of the witnesses for the prosecution with a view to establish his own good character, or has given evidence of his good character, or the nature or conduct of the defence is such as to involve imputations on the character of the prosecutor or the witnesses for the prosecution, or the deceased victim of the alleged crime; or
(c) he has given evidence which involves in the commission of the offence with which he is being accused, any other person accused in the same proceedings.

(2) In any of the circumstances mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) above any record showing any previous convictions of the person charged or accused may be produced in evidence.

Keywords

Fair trial standards
Rights during investigation - self incrimination



EDIT.