The magistrate or judge will read the reference before deciding what penalty to give. The prosecutor in court will also read the reference.
The reference will be more helpful if you have known the person for a long time or have had a lot of contact with them.
You must also be of good character and not have been in serious trouble with the police before.
Writing a Character Reference for Court
Introduction If you’ve been asked to write a character reference for someone who is facing a court hearing due to breaking the law, it’s essential to understand the significance of this document. A character reference is a letter that reflects your opinion of the individual in question. It is used by the magistrate or judge to gain insight into the person’s character before deciding on an appropriate penalty. Additionally, the prosecutor in court may also review the reference.
Guidelines for Writing a Character Reference When writing a character reference, it’s crucial to be honest and formal in your approach. However, refrain from stating what penalty you believe the person should receive, as this decision rests with the magistrate or judge. To make your reference more impactful, address the following aspects:
- Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and providing relevant details, such as your name, occupation, and any qualifications you hold.
- Your Relationship with the Person: Clearly explain how you know the person and the duration of your acquaintance. Mention how frequently you interact with or communicate with them.
- Knowledge of the Person’s Charges: If the person has discussed the charges with you or why they are going to court, include that information. Also, state whether they express remorse for their actions.
- Demonstrated Remorse and Efforts to Change: Share any instances where the person has shown remorse for their actions, such as being distressed or upset. Mention if they have taken steps to change their behavior, like attending counseling or making amends to the victim.
- Hardships and Consequences: Describe any hardships or punishments the person has faced as a result of the offenses. This may include losing a job, damage to their reputation, or feeling disgraced within their community and among friends and family.
- Insight into the Person’s Life: Provide details about the person’s background and any challenges they may have faced. This could include factors like drug or alcohol use, financial issues, or mental health concerns. Indicate whether they are receiving help to overcome these problems.
- Opinion of the Person’s Character: Offer your perspective on the person’s general character and reputation within the community. Explain the type of person they are and whether their actions leading to the offense were out of character. If they have prior convictions, mention if it affects your opinion of them. Additionally, highlight any positive contributions they have made, such as voluntary work, special achievements, or community involvement.
Formatting the Reference When composing the character reference, treat it like a formal letter. Type it up and consider using letterhead if available. Ensure the following elements are included:
- Date at the top of the reference.
- Address the reference appropriately based on the court where the case is being heard (Magistrates’ Court, County Court, or Supreme Court).
- Start the reference with “Your Honour.”
- Include your full name and contact information.
- Sign the reference at the end.
Submitting the Reference Provide the completed reference to the person going to court well before the court date. Alternatively, you can send it directly to their lawyer. If necessary, feel free to contact the lawyer to discuss the reference.
Example Character Reference
[Include an example character reference similar to the one provided in the original content.]
Note: This is a general guide on how to write a character reference for court. The specific requirements and formatting may vary depending on the jurisdiction or the court involved. Always adhere to any instructions provided by the court or the requesting party.
