Character Reference Guidelines – Supreme Court

A Character Reference should include:-

  • Your full name and occupation.
  • A brief paragraph setting out your background;
  • Details of how long you have known the Defendant and how you came to know the Defendant.
  • That you are aware the Defendant is to attend Court in relation to an offence/s charged.
  • Any comments about the Defendant’s character, in as much detail as needed or giving an example of a situation in which the Defendant’s personality is shown positivity.
  • Details of any positive attributes you feel the Defendant has including any community contributions.

The Reference should:-

  • Be addressed to “The Presiding Judge.”
  • Not extend beyond one page.
  • Formulated in the referee’s own words.
  • Be signed and dated by the referee.

Download the full guide (PDF).