When seeking information or guidance for making a decision, one can request a reference from another person. Additionally, a reference can refer to the act of citing one source within another. In the context of law, a reference occurs when a court sends a case to a referee or master for decision-making.
The act of directing someone to another source for information, service, consideration, or decision is known as a reference. For example, a court may make a reference of a case to a referee to decide all issues of fact and law, with the referee’s decision standing as the judgement of the court. This is a general reference, where all parties consent to the referral. Alternatively, a court may make a special reference of a case to a referee for decisions on specific questions of fact, with the referee’s findings being treated as advisory only and not as binding decisions by the trial judge. In the context of patents, reference refers to information that a patent examiner considers to be relevant to the patent application and may be used to reject one or more of the applicant’s claims.
Yes, you can use a reference from a previous employer as long as you have their permission to do so. It is always recommended to inform your references in advance and seek their consent.
While references are generally expected to provide honest feedback, they should not provide false or defamatory information. If you believe a reference has provided inaccurate or unfair feedback, you may have legal recourse depending on the circumstances.
Generally, you cannot sue someone for giving a bad reference as long as the information provided is truthful and not defamatory. However, if the reference intentionally provides false information that harms your reputation, you may have grounds for a defamation lawsuit.
Yes, employers are not legally obligated to provide references for former employees. However, many employers have policies in place regarding references and may provide basic employment verification information upon request.
In most cases, you do not have a legal right to obtain a copy of a reference letter written about you. However, you can always ask the person who wrote the reference letter if they are willing to share it with you.
Generally, employers should not disclose an employee’s salary information without their consent. However, if the reference is providing employment verification, they may confirm your salary if it is requested by a prospective employer.
It depends on the requirements of the job application. Some employers may accept personal references, especially for entry-level positions, while others may specifically require professional references who can speak to your work experience and skills.
It is generally recommended to obtain consent from the person you are providing a reference for. Providing a reference without their consent may lead to legal issues if the information provided is inaccurate or damaging.
No, a reference should not disclose your medical information without your consent. Medical information is protected by privacy laws, and any disclosure without proper authorization may be a violation of those laws.
Yes, you can request your reference to highlight specific skills or experiences that are relevant to the job you are applying for. However, it is important to ensure that the information provided remains truthful and accurate.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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