If someone you know is going to court, they may ask you to write a character reference for them. This reference can help the judge understand the person’s character and make a more informed decision. Writing a character reference can be a bit intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to write a character reference, and provide some examples that you can edit as needed.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference
When writing a character reference, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
- Be honest: Don’t exaggerate the person’s qualities or cover up their flaws. Be truthful about your experience with them.
- Be specific: Give examples of the person’s character traits and actions that demonstrate them.
- Be concise: Stick to one or two pages, and keep your writing clear and to the point.
- Be professional: Use proper grammar and spelling, and avoid using slang or informal language.
- Be timely: Make sure you submit your reference in a timely manner, so the person can use it in their case.
Examples of Character References
Character Reference for a Friend
Dear Judge Smith,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend, Sarah Johnson. I have known Sarah for over 10 years, and during that time I have seen her demonstrate excellent character traits such as honesty, kindness, and responsibility.
One example of Sarah’s character that stands out in my mind is the time she volunteered at a local homeless shelter. She went out of her way to make the residents feel comfortable and treated them with dignity and respect. Sarah’s kindness and compassion are traits that make her a valuable member of our community.
I believe that Sarah has learned from her mistakes and is committed to being a responsible member of society. I hope that you will take this into consideration when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference for a Co-Worker
Dear Judge Rodriguez,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my co-worker, John Smith. John and I have worked together for the past five years, and during that time I have observed him to be a person of exceptional character.
One example of John’s character that stands out in my mind is the time he took on extra work to help a colleague who was struggling with a difficult project. John did not hesitate to offer his assistance, and his willingness to go above and beyond for his team is a testament to his commitment to his work and his colleagues.
I believe that John is a person of integrity who has learned from his mistakes and is committed to being a responsible member of society. I hope that you will take this into consideration when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference for a Student
Dear Judge Lee,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my former student, Emily Smith. Emily was a student in my art class for two years, and during that time I had the pleasure of observing her growth as an artist and as a person.
One example of Emily’s character that stands out in my mind is the time she organized a fundraiser to raise money for a local animal shelter. Her dedication to the cause and her ability to lead and inspire others was impressive for someone so young. Emily’s leadership skills and her commitment to helping others are traits that make her a valuable member of our community.
I believe that Emily has learned from her mistakes and is committed to being a responsible member of society. I hope that you will take this into consideration when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference for a Family Member
Dear Judge Nguyen,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my cousin, David Johnson. David has always been a person of exceptional character, and I have no doubt that he will continue to be so in the future.
One example of David’s character that stands out in my mind is the time he helped me move to a new apartment. He did not hesitate to offer his assistance, and his willingness to go out of his way for his family is a testament to his commitment to his loved ones.
I believe that David has learned from his mistakes and is committed to being a responsible member of society. I hope that you will take this into consideration when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference for a Neighbor
Dear Judge Kim,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my neighbor, Maria Rodriguez. Maria has been a wonderful neighbor and friend, and I am honored to have her in my life.
One example of Maria’s character that stands out in my mind is the time she organized a neighborhood clean-up event. Her dedication to the neighborhood and her ability to rally others to take action was impressive, and the event was a huge success thanks to her leadership and hard work. Maria’s commitment to her community and her neighbors is a trait that makes her a valuable member of our neighborhood.
I believe that Maria has learned from her mistakes and is committed to being a responsible member of society. I hope that you will take this into consideration when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference for a Volunteer
Dear Judge Patel,
I am writing to provide a character reference for a volunteer at the local food bank, Tom Hernandez. I have known Tom for the past year, and during that time I have seen him demonstrate excellent character traits such as kindness, generosity, and responsibility.
One example of Tom’s character that stands out in my mind is the time he organized a fundraiser to help the food bank purchase a new refrigerator. His dedication to the cause and his ability to inspire others to take action was impressive, and the fundraiser was a huge success thanks to his leadership and hard work. Tom’s commitment to helping others and his community is a trait that makes him a valuable volunteer at the food bank.
I believe that Tom has learned from his mistakes and is committed to being a responsible member of society. I hope that you will take this into consideration when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference for a Friend of a Friend
Dear Judge Brown,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend’s friend, Mark Williams. While I have not had the opportunity to get to know Mark very well, my friend has spoken highly of him and I trust her judgment.
One example of Mark’s character that my friend shared with me is the time he helped her move to a new apartment. He did not hesitate to offer his assistance, and his willingness to go out of his way for someone he barely knew was impressive. Mark’s kindness and willingness to help others are traits that make him a valuable member of any community.
I believe that Mark has learned from his mistakes and is committed to being a responsible member of society. I hope that you will take this into consideration when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a character reference if I don’t know the person well?
It’s not advisable to write a character reference for someone you don’t know well. Your reference should be based on your personal experience with the person and your observations of their character. If you don’t have enough knowledge of the person’s character, it’s best to decline the request.
What should I include in my character reference?
Your character reference should include details about the person’s character traits and actions that demonstrate them. You can also mention how you know the person and for how long, and offer your opinion about their ability to learn from their mistakes and be a responsible member of society. Make sure your reference is concise and to the point, and avoid exaggerating or covering up the person’s flaws.
How should I format my character reference?
Your character reference should be formatted like a formal letter, with the date, the judge’s name and address, and your own name and address at the top. Use a professional font and avoid using colorful or informal language. Make sure your reference is well-written and free of errors.
How long should my character reference be?
Your character reference should be one or two pages, depending on the instructions you were given. Make sure your reference is concise and to the point, and avoid rambling or repeating yourself.
Can I provide my character reference in person?
Typically, character references are submitted in writing, either by mail or online. If you have been asked to appear in court to provide your reference in person, make sure you follow the instructions you were given and arrive on time and prepared to speak.
What if I don’t feel comfortable writing a character reference?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a character reference for someone, it’s best to decline the request. You don’t want to write a reference that is dishonest or misleading, or that could harm the person’s case. Be honest with the person and explain why you cannot provide a reference.
Can I provide multiple character references?
It depends on the instructions you were given. If you were asked to provide a certain number of references, make sure you follow those instructions. If you were not given specific instructions, it’s best to limit yourself to one or two references, and choose those who know the person well and can provide specific examples of their character.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference can be a valuable way to support someone going to court. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can write a well-crafted reference that demonstrates the person’s character and offers insight into their ability to be a responsible member of society.