How should I address a letter to the court?
If you are addressing the letter generally, type "Dear Clerk of Court:" and include a colon after the last word.
The purpose of opening statements by each side is to tell jurors something about the case they will be hearing. The opening statements must be confined to facts that will be proved by the evidence, and cannot be argumentative. The trial begins with the opening statement of the party with the burden of proof.
Write "Dear Judge (surname)," to begin the letter.
If writing to a U.S. state or federal Supreme Court, use “Dear Justice” instead. If a judge's title is "Chief Judge" or "Chief Justice," you may use that title instead. "Judge" or "Justice" is also acceptable.
#1 Addressing a Judge
When referring to them in court, you say, “his honor, or her honor, or the Court.” Formality is required when in a courtroom. A judge is a judge until they are a judge of a state or federal court of appeal or the U.S. Supreme Court — then they are a justice.
Formal letters always have a greeting at the beginning of the written content as a cue that your message is about to begin. This is known as the salutation. Most salutations begin with “Dear” and then the name of the recipient. All salutations use title capitalization and end in a comma.
These letters can be a very important part of the sentencing process because they help the judge get to know the person they are sentencing in ways other than just the facts of the offense: The letter should be addressed to the Judge, but mailed to the defendant's attorney.
An opening statement is a factual narrative that should last no longer than is needed to keep the jury's attention. It should preview, in an understandable way, the anticipated testimony and evidence. It should not bore or confuse the jury with too much detail.
Sample Opening Statement. Your honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, today the people are charging Jes Markson with violations of the California penal code 187 and 188. We are charging Jes Markson with willful, deliberate, First-Degree Murder of Taylor Rodriguez.
At the beginning of a hearing, attorneys should always state their name and who they represent. This should be done while standing, and oftentimes judges will expect an attorney to speak from a podium rather than at counsel's table.
In person: In an interview, social event, or in court, address a judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge [last name].” If you are more familiar with the judge, you may call her just “Judge.” In any context, avoid “Sir” or “Ma'am.” Special Titles.
What does a judge look for in a character letter?
Judges receive character letters that state how wonderful a person is or how the person is honest, supportive, and trustworthy. However, a judge needs specific examples of how the person's actions exhibit these traits.
Most courts will accept copies of electronically delivered letters, but be sure to check with the attorney first. Remember that judges read hundreds of letters. The easier you make it for the judge to read, the most likely the judge will be able to focus on the message you are trying to convey.
- As jurors you are not to be swayed by sympathy.
- Bail should be continued.
- Call your next witness.
- Can you tell the jury…?
- Could you briefly describe …?
- Could you describe the appearance of (a package, etc.)?
- Counsel, lay a foundation.
- Defendant will be remanded.
You may be seated. Judge: Members of the jury, your duty today will be to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty based only on facts and evidence provided in this case. The prosecution has the burden of proving the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt.
In person: In an interview, social event, or in court, address a judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge [last name].” If you are more familiar with the judge, you may call her just “Judge.” In any context, avoid “Sir” or “Ma'am.”