Letter to a Judge to Defend my Case?

Q.

I have been sued in Civil court over a car repossession. I have to write a letter to the judge in order to defend myself, or else the judgement will be in default. I really need help in knowing what format to use, and how I need to address the judge.

A.

Write a letter to a judge as you would a formal business letter. This means that you should include your own name and address, the date and the judge's name, position and professional mailing address (as used for the court) before you begin the body of the letter. Use a formal salutation ("Dear") and end with a formal closing ("Sincerely").

You should also leave a space for your signature and type your name below this empty space. All letters should be typed, if possible, and printed on clean white or ivory paper. Delivery should be according to court rules.

How to Address the Judge

Addressing a judge correctly in correspondence requires that you know the type of judge with whom you are corresponding. Circuit and District Judges should have their full titles written out on the envelope:

• "His Honour Judge Jones" for a Circuit Judge
• "District Judge (Magistrates' Courts) Jones for a District Judge (Magistrates Court)
• "District Judge Jones" for a District Judge

This should be copied for the formal name and address of the judge in your letter. However, when addressing any such judges directly in the body of your letter you may simply write "Dear Judge" or "Dear Judge Jones".

Writing a letter to a judge is not something that most people have experience with, so it is probably in your best interest to seek specific help for your letter. Having a solicitor read over your letter could help you feel more confident about it, or you could seek help from a Citizens' Advice Bureau. Also investigate whether or not your particular court offers information on writing such letters. Finding someone who has already submitted such a letter to a judge could make you feel more comfortable and confident in your own letter as well.

As with any letter, make sure that you spell the judge's name correctly and that you spell check and proofread all of your text. Try to use standard vocabulary rather than slang, keep sentences and paragraphs brief and concise and if you are allowed to attach or enclose other documents then refer to these in your letter. Before sending or submitting it, read your letter aloud a few times to make sure that it flows well and contains all of the information you believe to be relevant. Allowing others to read it should help server the same purpose.

Sample Letter Addressed to a Judge

His Honour Judge Jones
Courthouse Name
Address
Postcode

Your Name
Address
Postcode

Date

Re: Case Number and Title

My case as detailed above is due to be heard on the [date] and I am keen to offer my defence as requested.

The facts of the case are as follows: [give brief details of what happened here].

In my defence I feel that [state the reasons for your actions and why you are not to blame etc].

I trust this information is sufficient, but I am willing to provide any evidence and information as deemed necessary whenever requested.

Yours sincerely

Your name