In civil cases, the fact that the character of any person is such as is to affect the amount of damages…

Section 55 expressly makes character relevant in civil cases when it affects the amount of damages the person should receive. This is a specific exception to the ordinary rule that character does not prove alleged civil conduct. The question supplies the statutory damages connection, so the fact is relevant rather than merely dependent on an unspecified further condition.

Current law: The corresponding rule is BSA section 50 from 1 July 2024, subject to section 170’s savings.