Some questions about good character are proper background and do not amount to oath-helping

R. v. LeBrocq, 2011 ONCA 405 released today points out that it is proper to question on character on background:

Questions to Defence Witness

[14]         In a brief cross-examination of one of the defence witnesses, Crown counsel elicited responses indicating that the complainant was a good student and a smart and intelligent girl with a lot of potential.  In the context of the evidence as it unfolded at trial, we do not consider these questions put to the defence witness as amounting to impermissible oath helping.  Crown counsel is entitled to put a human face on the complainant within limits.  Moreover, the same evidence had already been elicited by defence counsel during the witness' examination-in-chief.