A defence lawyer believes removing good character references for sexual offending is unlikely to make much difference at sentencing.

The National Party's latest policy would see judges no longer be allowed to consider positive testimonies about offenders.

Law Association Vice President Samira Taghavi told Mike Hosking that those references already carry limited weight in court.

She says judges don't put a lot of emphasis on good character references - unless they see one as completely relevant. 

LISTEN ABOVE

A defence lawyer believes removing good character references for sexual offending is unlikely to make much difference at sentencing.
The National Party's latest policy would see judges no longer be allowed to consider positive testimonies about offenders.
Law Association Vice President Samira Taghavi told Mike Hosking that those references already carry limited weight in court.
She says judges don't put a lot of emphasis on good character references - unless they see one as completely relevant.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

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Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show. Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda. The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more. The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

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Samira Taghavi: Defence lawyer says removing good character statements won't make much difference

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c8c4f50c-c6a2-44a2-8cf5-b44d0148444f/transcript