Alexanderson v the Queen B84/2001

In *Alexanderson v the Queen*, the High Court of Australia considered an appeal by the applicant, Alexanderson, against his conviction for murder. The dispute centred on the admissibility of certain evidence during his trial.

The primary legal issue before the High Court was whether the trial judge had erred in admitting evidence of the applicant's prior convictions and prior bad character. This involved determining whether the evidence was relevant to proving the applicant's guilt of the murder charge, or if its prejudicial effect outweighed its probative value.

The Court analysed the principles governing the admission of evidence of prior convictions and bad character, particularly under the *Evidence Act 1995* (NSW). McHugh and Gummow JJ held that the admission of such evidence was improper and had unfairly prejudiced the applicant. They reasoned that the evidence did not possess sufficient probative value to justify its admission, and its primary effect was to suggest to the jury that the applicant was a person of bad character who was likely to have committed the offence. The Court found that the prejudicial impact of this evidence was substantial and likely to have influenced the jury's verdict.

Consequently, the High Court allowed the appeal, quashed the conviction, and ordered a new trial.