Ladd v The Queen

In *Ladd v The Queen*, the High Court of Australia considered an appeal by the applicant, Ladd, 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 evidence was admitted on the basis that it was relevant to the applicant's propensity to commit the offence charged, and that it was necessary to prevent the jury from being misled.

The High Court held that the admission of the evidence of prior convictions and bad character was an error. The Court reiterated the general rule that evidence of prior convictions or bad character is inadmissible to prove that a person committed the offence charged, as it is unfairly prejudicial. While exceptions exist, such as where the evidence is relevant to a specific issue in the case other than propensity, or where it is necessary to prevent the jury from being misled, the Court found that these exceptions were not made out on the facts. The evidence admitted was primarily directed to establishing a propensity to commit the crime, and its prejudicial effect outweighed any probative value.

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