20(1)A witness in any cause may be questioned as to whether he has been convicted of any crime; and upon being so questioned, if he either denies the fact or refuses to answer, the opposite party may prove such conviction.

20(2)A certificate containing the substance and effect only, omitting the formal part of the indictment or charge and conviction for such offence, purporting to be signed by the Registrar or the clerk of the court, or other officer having the custody of the records of the court, in or before which the offender was convicted, or by the deputy of such Registrar, clerk or officer, for which certificate a fee of one dollar and no more shall be paid, is, upon proof of the identity of the person, sufficient evidence of the said conviction without proof of the signature or official character of the person appearing to have signed the same.