Summary
The Department of Justice is seeking your views on proposed reforms to the use of good character references at sentencing in criminal proceedings.
Documents
- Good Character References in Criminal Proceedings - Proposals for Reform - Consultation Paper
- Equality Screening Form - Good Character References in Criminal Proceedings Proposals for reform
- RNIA - Public Consultation - Good Character References in Criminal Proceedings - Proposals for Reform
Consultation description
At present, the law requires a court, when determining a person’s sentence for a criminal offence, to consider mitigating factors, which can include evidence of the accused’s good character. This can take the form of a character reference provided by an employer, family member or community figure. Whilst this evidence can lead to a reduction in sentence, it is not guaranteed, and any weight assigned to the good character of the defendant at sentencing will be dependent on the facts of the case and the seriousness of the offence.
In response to growing concerns about the appropriateness of good character references at sentencing, particularly for sexual offences, the Minister has asked the Department to urgently consider how this matter could be addressed during the current Assembly mandate. We welcome your views on the options proposed within the consultation document, to help ensure that any final policy proposals are informed by a clear understanding of their potential impact.
We would encourage you to respond using the ‘Respond online’ button below, which will take you to the Citizen Space website.
The consultation will run for a period of eight weeks from Thursday 8 October to Thursday 3 December 2026. All responses should be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 3 December 2026.
Ways to respond
Sentencing Policy Unit,
Department of Justice,
Block 2, Knockview Buildings
Stormont Estate,
Belfast
BT4 3SG