Schultz v The Queen

In *Schultz v The Queen*, the High Court of Australia considered an appeal by the applicant, Schultz, 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 of evidence, particularly concerning the admissibility of such material and its potential to prejudice the jury against the accused.

The High Court held that the admission of the evidence of prior convictions and bad character was an error. Gleeson CJ and Hayne J reasoned that the evidence was not relevant to any issue in dispute in the trial and was likely to have unfairly prejudiced the jury against the applicant. The Court emphasised that evidence of prior convictions or bad character is generally inadmissible unless it has a specific, relevant probative value that outweighs its prejudicial effect. In this instance, the evidence did not meet that threshold.

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