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ARTICLE · 28 FEBRUARY 2023

How to write a character reference for court

Outlines structure and content of a character reference for court. Suggests to seek legal advice.

AustraliaCriminal Law

People may want to know how to write a character reference for court when necessary. But what are character references for court? These letters or statements are written for defendants in criminal law proceedings. A defendant's family members, close friends, teachers, and employers may write a character reference. A general character reference typically contains the writer's:

  • Basic info
  • Relation to the defendant
  • Positive character traits of the defendant
  • Experiences with the defendant
  • Overall assessment
  • Conclusion

It's important to note that character references for court should be written in a professional and respectful manner. Additionally, it should not contain false or misleading information as this may put the defendant in a bad position. The primary purpose of a character reference is to provide information about a defendant's character and behaviour. It should not be used to influence the outcome of the case.

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