Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply

Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply.--In criminal proceedings the fact that the accused person has a bad character is irrelevant, unless evidence has been given that he has a good character, in which case it becomes relevant. Explanation 1.--This section does not apply to cases in which the bad character of any person is itself a fact in issue. Explanation 2.--A previous conviction is relevant as evidence of bad character.