The considerations relevant to the exercise of the discretion under s 15(2)(c) of the Evidence Act 1977 (Qld) to permit cross-examination of an accused about prior convictions necessarily involve assessment of potential rather than actual detriment, since prejudicial effect cannot materialise until questions and answers have operated on the minds of jurors. Judicial glosses identifying relevant considerations for the exercise of a statutory discretion should not be treated as a code supplanting the statute.
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