1*[. Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply.-In criminal proceedings the fact that the accused person has a bad character is irrelevant, unless evidence has been given that he has a good character, in which case it becomes relevant.
Explanation 1.--This section does not apply to cases in which the bad character of any person is itself a fact in issue.
Explanation 2.--A previous conviction is relevant as evidence of bad character.]
1. Subs. by Act 3 of 1891, s. 6, for the original section.