Slack and Johnson, R v

Slack and Johnson, R v

The bad character evidence against Johnson was properly admitted and remained relevant after the prosecution case changed to one of encouragement rather than physical participation. The judge's directions to the jury were adequate and in line with established authority. There was no error in refusing to discharge the jury. Slack's conviction was not rendered unsafe by any prejudice arising from Johnson's case, and the trial judge gave appropriate directions to the jury regarding the use of evidence.

Parties
Prosecution: R; Appellant/defendant: Slack; Appellant/defendant: Johnson
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
28 May 2010
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction
Outcome
Appeals dismissed
Legal Topics
Bad Character Evidence, Joint Enterprise, Murder, Manslaughter, Jury Directions, Severance of Indictment
Criminal Law Bad Character Evidence Joint Enterprise Murder Manslaughter Jury Directions Severance of Indictment

Case Brief

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Parties

R

Prosecution

Slack

Appellant/defendant

Johnson

Appellant/defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the admission of bad character evidence against Johnson was proper and remained admissible after the prosecution case changed
  2. 2 Whether the judge erred in refusing to discharge the jury after the prosecution case changed
  3. 3 Whether the judge's directions to the jury on bad character evidence were adequate

Ratio Decidendi

The bad character evidence against Johnson was properly admitted and remained relevant after the prosecution case changed to one of encouragement rather than physical participation. The judge's directions to the jury were adequate and in line with established authority. There was no error in refusing to discharge the jury. Slack's conviction was not rendered unsafe by any prejudice arising from Johnson's case, and the trial judge gave appropriate directions to the jury regarding the use of evidence.

Court Disposition

Appeals dismissed