Debate contribution: Courts: Good-character References
Debate contribution by Mrs Naomi Long on .
- MLA
- Mrs Naomi Long
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 19 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Courts: Good-character References
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5795812
Read the official Assembly record
Text
One option for reform is to introduce a requirement that good-character references must be provided in the form of an affidavit and that, where evidence is to be given orally before the court, it must be given by oath or affirmation. That is similar to the recent reforms introduced in Ireland. It would serve to formalise the process and may make it more robust and transparent. It may also increase accountability and the reliability and scrutiny of the use of character references. Another potential reform is to restrict the circumstances in which good-character references may be taken into account in mitigation at sentencing. In practical terms, restricting the circumstances in which good-character references may be taken into account would limit the number of circumstances in which good-character references could contribute to a reduction in the overall sentence. Any changes will be subject to policy development to ensure that they comply with the article 6 rights of the defendant and will need Executive approval.
163 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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