It is to be hoped that the Evidence in Criminal
Cases Bill which the Lord Chancellor has reintroduced will be passed into- law this Session. It allows, but does not force, prisoners to give evidence, and also allows, but does not force, a prisoner's husband or wife to go into the box,—that is, the prisoner may call his wife, but not the prosecution. Under the Bill, the prisoner will, if called, be examined like any other witness, except that he need not answer questions in regard to previous convictions or previous bad conduct,—" (1), unless the proof that he has committed or been convicted of such other offence is admissible evidence to show that he is guilty of the offence- wherewith he is then charged ; or (2), unless the person charged has asked questions of the witnesses for the prosecution with a view to establish his good character, or called witnesses to- his good character, or otherwise has given evidence of good character." It is a scandal to our administration of justice that the reform was not. made a century ago. It will unques- tionably help to save the innocent and to convict the guilty. Why should the jury not be allowed to hear what is often the only testimony worth hearing in the case ?
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