Meizer v the Queen B55/2001

In *Meizer v the Queen*, the High Court of Australia considered an appeal by the applicant, Meizer, 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 question involved an examination of the rules governing the admissibility of such evidence, particularly under the *Uniform Evidence Law* (or equivalent principles at the time of the trial).

The Court reasoned that the admission of evidence of prior convictions and bad character, which tended to show that the applicant was a person likely to commit the offence charged, was inadmissible unless it met specific exceptions. The judges applied the principles that evidence of a person's character or disposition is generally not admissible to prove that the person acted in accordance with that character or disposition on a particular occasion. The Court found that the evidence admitted was prejudicial and did not fall within any permissible exceptions, thus leading to a miscarriage of justice.

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