What not to write in a letter to a judge?
Asked by: Corrine Lehner | Last update: February 1, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (54 votes)
Do not argue the facts of the case, proclaim innocence, criticize the justice system, or tell the judge how to do their job, such as suggesting a specific sentence. Avoid lying, exaggerating, making excuses for behavior, or communicating privately without copying all parties (ex parte communication). The letter should be professional, brief, and focus on character, not legal strategy.
Is writing a letter to the judge a good idea?
Hey there. Writing directly to a judge is usually not a good idea. Judges are supposed to remain impartial and avoid any appearance of bias, and direct communication like that could be seen as improper or an attempt to influence their decision.
What should you never say to a judge?
You should not say anything sarcastic, interrupt the judge, lie, use slang, make personal attacks on others, guarantee outcomes, or speak about things not relevant to the case; instead, remain respectful, address the judge as "Your Honor," answer only the question asked, and be direct and truthful to maintain credibility.
What do judges not like?
Not pinning down all the evidence early, resolving possible issues affecting admissibility, and making the doggone exhibits clear and legible to the jury. Not speaking loudly enough in court for the jury to hear you and making sure your witnesses do the same. Mumblers lose. Not knowing when to sit down and shut up.
What makes you look bad in court?
First off of the top of my head: improper attire. Second: any inappropriate or disruptive behavior in the presence of the court (and by the court I mean the judge). Third: the person in question is on the witness list of one or more parties and has not yet testified.
WHAT JUDGES DO AND DON’T WANT TO SEE IN CHARACTER LETTERS
What annoys a judge?
Other judges said they dislike personal attacks, snide remarks, innuendo, or sarcasm. One judge said his or her biggest pet peeve is “the growing tendency to wax personal in responding to arguments.” Unorganized briefs.
What is the hardest case to win in court?
The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, like crimes against children or sexual assault, where jurors struggle with bias; complex, voluminous evidence, such as white-collar fraud; and defenses that challenge societal norms, like an insanity plea, which faces high scrutiny and conflicting expert testimony. Cases with weak physical evidence, uncooperative witnesses (like in sex crimes), or those involving unpopular defendants (e.g., child abusers) are particularly challenging for defense attorneys.
How to impress a judge in court?
To impress a judge, be prepared, respectful, and credible by dressing appropriately, arriving early, knowing your case thoroughly, staying calm and polite (using "Your Honor"), speaking clearly and directly, avoiding exaggeration or opinion, and showing active engagement through note-taking. Judges value clarity, honesty, and efficiency, so provide easy-to-understand facts and solutions rather than emotional outbursts or unrequested details, allowing your attorney to handle communication.
What do judges fear?
During the defendant's second trial, the defendant threatened to kill the jurors. Judges also have safety concerns: a judge in New York barely avoided being shot when a former defendant fired a sawed off rifle in the courtroom. Other judges have been threatened, injured, or killed while on the job.
What color do judges like to see in court?
Judges generally prefer neutral, conservative colors like navy, gray, black, and white, as these convey seriousness, respect, and professionalism, avoiding distractions in a formal court setting; bright colors, bold patterns, and overly casual attire should be avoided to show you're taking the proceedings seriously. While some suggest lighter, muted tones (like light blue) might leave a favorable impression, the key is sobriety and fitting in, not standing out.
What makes you look better in court?
Dress Neatly and Make Sure Your Clothes Fit
The first rule of thumb for what to wear to court is to dress appropriately by choosing clothing that looks clean, neat, and fits you well. You do not have to buy a new outfit, just be sure that you are meeting those two criteria with what you choose.
What is the B word for lawyer?
The "B word" for a lawyer, especially in the UK and Commonwealth countries, is Barrister, which refers to a specialist lawyer who argues cases in higher courts, distinct from a solicitor, though other terms like Attorney, Counsel, or even the pejorative "ambulance chaser" can be used, while "Esquire" (Esq.) is a title for any licensed lawyer in the U.S.
What is rule 1 in court?
Rule 1 is amended to emphasize that just as the court should construe and administer these rules to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action, so the parties share the responsibility to employ the rules in the same way. Most lawyers and parties cooperate to achieve these ends.
Do judges read letters sent to them?
Yes, judges often read letters sent to them, especially character reference letters or victim impact statements, as they provide crucial personal insight beyond formal evidence, particularly for sentencing decisions. However, these letters must follow strict court rules, usually submitted through attorneys or the court clerk, and are part of formal filings, not informal direct communication, to ensure fairness.
What is the best way to start a letter to a judge?
Begin your letter by addressing it to the court appropriately. Use the specific name of the judge if possible (e.g., “Dear Judge Jones”). If you cannot find the judge's name, “Honorable Judge” is an acceptable alternative. In your introduction, clearly state the purpose of your letter.
Do judges care about character letters?
In federal cases, where judges set sentences and often limit live witnesses, well-crafted character letters can influence whether someone receives the minimum sentence or something harsher.
What annoys judges?
Not following the judges rules and orders. Not being prepared for trial or hearing. Being late for trial or hearings. All of these shows a lack of respect for the court and judges really don't like it.
What scares lawyers the most?
Fear of Being a Failure
For some lawyers, being a failure means unsuccessfully defending a defendant at trial. For others, it might mean structuring a deal or trust incorrectly to the harm of their client. Regardless of the specifics, a fear of failure can become so overwhelming that it can cause failure itself.
How to win a judge over in court?
“In a courtroom, whether with the judge, other lawyers or jury, the most important thing you have is your credibility. This includes your voice inflection and facial expressions, your body language, your demeanor in the examination of a witness and your entire self-presentation.
What do judges like to hear?
In hearings or trials, we love you when you stipulate to what you can. Don't waste time on things that are unimportant to the issue that you want us to decide. Judges love stipulations that save time. Be intellectually honest; don't try to trick us into ruling your way.
What not to tell a judge?
You should not say anything sarcastic, interrupt the judge, lie, use slang, make personal attacks on others, guarantee outcomes, or speak about things not relevant to the case; instead, remain respectful, address the judge as "Your Honor," answer only the question asked, and be direct and truthful to maintain credibility.
What do lawyers love the most?
Here's what lawyers love the most about practicing law:
- 64%: Helping clients.
- 29%: Intellectual stimulation.
Which lawyer wins most cases?
There's no single lawyer universally recognized for the most cases won, as records are hard to track and definitions vary, but Gerry Spence is famous for never losing a criminal case and a long civil win streak (until 2010), while Guyanese lawyer Sir Lionel Luckhoo holds a Guinness World Record for 245 successive murder acquittals, making them top contenders for different aspects of "most wins".
What are the 8 focused crimes?
"8 focus crimes" typically refers to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program's Part I offenses in the U.S. (murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft, vehicle theft, arson) or, in the Philippines, the Philippine National Police (PNP) list (murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of vehicles/motorcycles). These lists cover serious, frequent crimes that law enforcement tracks closely, though the specific categories differ slightly between systems.
What happens to 90% of court cases?
According to the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, "The overwhelming majority (90 to 95 percent) of cases result in plea bargaining."