Good character directions in criminal proceedings


Produced in partnership with Harriet Johnson of Doughty Street Chambers
Practice notes

Good character directions in criminal proceedings


Produced in partnership with Harriet Johnson of Doughty Street Chambers

Practice notes
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Evidence of a defendant's good character in criminal proceedings is admissible and can go to either propensity or credibility or both:

  1. •

    propensity—the defendant is unlikely to have committed the offence with which they are accused

  2. •

    credibility—the defendant is more truthful than someone without such good character

Procedure for giving good character directions

Since an absence of convictions does not necessarily mean a defendant is of good character, where reliance is placed on good character, it is the duty of defence counsel and the defendant to ensure that the judge is aware of that fact. Where there is any doubt, it is good practice for the judge to raise the matter with counsel.

Any proposed good character direction should be provided to counsel and counsel for both the prosecution and the defendant should be given the opportunity to make submissions (R v Gonzales [2004] EWCA Crim 2117 (not reported by ½Û×ÓÊÓƵ®)).

Who is entitled to a good character direction?

The law on good character directions was carefully reassessed by the Court of

Harriet Johnson
Harriet Johnson

Doughty Street Chambers

Having trained as a specialist criminal barrister, Harriet's practice has expanded to include related areas of civil and human rights law. She is qualified to undertake direct access work meaning that, in appropriate cases, members of the public can instruct her without the need for a solicitor.

Harriet is valued by instructing solicitors for her precise and detailed case preparation as well as her legal and tactical insight. However, it is her skilled and compelling advocacy that most commonly attracts both client and judicial praise.

Harriet is a powerful speaker and has been invited to deliver keynote addresses at conferences all over the world. Prior to being called to the bar Harriet worked in the House of Commons, and on death row appeals in San Francisco.

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Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
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