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How to Address a Letter to a Judge

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How to Address a Letter to a Judge

488,196 views October 26, 2010 1:26

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Watch more How to Write a Letter videos: howcast.com/videos/353395-How-to-Address-a-Lett…

Follow these steps to correspond effectively with the person who has the power to swing the gavel.

Step 1: Include your contact info
Write the date, your name, and your address at the top right corner.

Step 2: Indicate the recipient
Write the judge's name and the court's address along the left margin, beneath your own. Use the title "Honorable" before the judge's name -- for instance, "Honorable John Smith."

Step 3: Include a salutation
Open your letter with "Dear Honorable John Smith," "Dear Judge John Smith," or "Your Honor."

Step 4: State your purpose
State your purpose for writing the judge very clearly in the first sentence. Keep the letter brief and to the point -- a maximum of one page is ideal.

Tip
Write the letter in the language you know best, as most judges have interpreters available to them.

Step 5: Identify your case
Include the case number to which you are referring and be sure to sign your name to the letter.

Tip
Refer to the case using the parties involved, such as "People vs. Name of Defendant," if you don't know the case number.

Step 6: Don't write in vain
Don't present evidence in your letter. Most judges will stop reading and you will fail to get your point across.

Did You Know?
Two court systems exist in the U.S. -- federal court and state court. State courts have the broadest jurisdiction.

About this tutorial

Howcast published this 1:26 video tutorial on October 26, 2010. It has been watched 488,196 times on YouTube.

Channel
Howcast
Duration
1:26
Published
October 26, 2010
Views
488,196
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Further reading

  • Best Way to Write a Professional Letter to a Judge thelawdictionary.org

    Mailing Address; Letter To Judge Format. There is much more to consider than the professional tone – there is a precise and proper format to follow when writing a letter to a judge. If you choose to type the letter on a…

  • How to Address a Letter to a Judge - The Word Counter thewordcounter.com

    For example, if you wanted to write a letter to a judge to advocate for someone’s early release from prison, you might point to the person’s accomplishments and actions while incarcerated. In addition, you could explain…

  • 3 Ways to Address a Letter to a Judge - wikiHow wikihow.com

    To address a letter to a judge, start by writing “Dear Judge” followed by the judge’s last name as your salutation. Then, provide the case name and number you’re writing about in the first sentence, or refer to the defe…

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