The National Party in New Zealand has proposed a significant legal reform aimed at prohibiting judges from considering 'good character' references when sentencing sexual offenders. This move seeks to address a critical issue in the criminal justice system, where such references can lead to lighter sentences by portraying offenders as respectable individuals who made a mistake. Critics, however, caution that eliminating these references could undermine the consideration of all relevant circumstances in sentencing. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith highlighted that these references often reinforce harmful myths about sexual violence, particularly in rape cases. While the proposal marks a meaningful change, it also raises questions about the broader need for reform in New Zealand's sentencing framework, which is criticized for its vagueness and lack of evidence-based guidelines. Experts suggest that adopting a system similar to those in the US and UK, which utilize sentencing commissions, could enhance consistency and transparency in sentencing decisions. Overall, while the removal of 'good character' references may be a step forward, comprehensive reform is necessary for a more effective justice system.