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Accessibility & LanguageTab 1 Content
New article published by Dr. Hanly: Character Testimonials in Sentencing
Mar
12
2026
Posted: 16:58 GMT
Dr Conor Hanly’s latest article, entitled, “Character Testimonials in Sentencing in Ireland,” was published in the latest edition of the Irish Criminal Law journal.
The article examines the use of character testimonials as mitigatory evidence by those convicted of criminal offences which is a controversial issue, especially in sexual cases. The author presents evidence that the practice is a common part of the sentencing process, and not just in sexual cases. The analysis reviews the process by which testimonials are introduced, especially after the enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024. The article concludes with a consideration of whether testimonials should be prohibited, and concludes that they should continue to be admissible.
Dr. Hanly is currently a member of the Board of the Galway Rape Crisis Centre and has served as Secretary to the Board since 2022. In April 2024, the Minister for Justice appointed Conor to the Board of CUAN, the statutory Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency.
