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Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply. 1*[54. 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 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.]