Can you call a judge Sir or ma am?

Asked by: Cecil Bosco I  |  Last update: August 8, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (64 votes)

Judges can be called "judge" or "your honor." Refrain from calling a judge "sir," "ma'am," "mister" or "miss." Communication with the judge should be carried out with a proper amount of respect.

Is it OK to call judge Sir or ma am?

In person: In an interview, social event, or in court, address a judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge [last name].” If you are more familiar with the judge, you may call her just “Judge.” In any context, avoid “Sir” or “Ma'am.”

What is the proper greeting for a judge?

You can address most judges at the start of a letter as "Dear Judge" (or "Dear Justice" if they serve in a U.S. state or federal Supreme Court, or in certain courts of other countries). When addressing the envelope, it is best to use the judge's full title, along with the full name of the court in which he/she serves.

Do judges like to be called your honor?

Although judges may be addressed with other titles, the proper salutation for a judge is "your honor" in all cases, and by all people involved in the court system. Judges are considered honorable people worthy of respect.

Can you say yes sir to a judge?

Another way to show respect to the judge is the manner in which you address the judge. If you are a party to the lawsuit or criminal case, you should always address the judge as “your honor.” Anytime you answer questions which are posed by the judge, you should respond by saying, “Yes, ma'am” or “Yes, sir.”

Watch: Transgender "Woman" Goes Crazy After Being 'Misgendered' - Called 'Sir' instead of 'Ma'am'

43 related questions found

How do you address a high court judge?

They are still called “My Lord” or “My Lady” in Court. By tradition High Court Judges are called “Honourable”, e.g. “The Hon. Mr Justice Bugginwallop.” They are not Privy Councillors and are not called “Right Honourable.” If you are writing about a professional matter you address the envelope as “The Hon.

How do you introduce yourself to a judge in court?

Check in with the judge's clerk

Introduce yourself to the judge's clerk or legal assistant once you arrive for the hearing. Let them know the case on which you have the hearing or conference with the judge. Be courteous to the judge's staff — they grease the wheels of justice.

What is courtroom etiquette?

Be courteous and act in a professional manner to all those involved in the proceedings. This includes the Judge, court staff, opposing litigants, and attorneys. Do not interrupt others while they are talking. Refer to the Judge as “Your Honor.” Stand up when the Judge and jury enter and leave the courtroom.

Are judges still called my lord?

Hearing his plea, the court observed that judges should be addressed in a respectful and dignified manner and it is not compulsory to call them 'My Lord', 'Your Lordship' or 'Your Honour'.

How do you address a judge in court USA?

Address the judge only as “your honor” when addressing the judge in the courtroom. Refer to the judge as “the Court”, “his honor,” or “her honor” if you need to refer to the judge while addressing a witness or the jury.

How do you address an email to a judge?

The Right Way to Email a Judge
  1. Include the case name, case number and county or jurisdiction in the subject line. ...
  2. Start the email with a respectful greeting, like “Good morning, Your Honor” or “Dear Judge Jones.” Be concise and professional.

How do you impress a judge in court?

Be clean.
  1. Be clean. It is important to wear neat and clean clothes when you are going to court. ...
  2. Stand when the judge enters the room. ...
  3. Address the judge as 'Your Honor. ...
  4. Be audible. ...
  5. Use proper language and speak in complete sentences. ...
  6. Prepare before every hearing. ...
  7. Be polite and respectful. ...
  8. Be punctual.

How do you address a county court judge?

Judges of the Circuit or County Court should be addressed as: “His/Her Honour Judge Smith”.

How do you answer a judge?

When answering questions, respond to "yes" or "no" questions with appropriate honorifics. In most cases it is important to say "Yes, your honor" or "No, your honor." Using "your honor" is the easiest way to show respect and avoid offending your judge.

Why are judges called Milord?

The origin of the address “My Lord” certainly goes back to the disgraceful colonial era. Since the judges of the Supreme Court of England were holding Lordship, which was a typical feudal title of the British system, they were addressed by the British lawyers as “My Lord” or “My Lady”.

How do lawyers address judges?

“...it was resolved that as per mostly preferred and prevalent practice, lawyers of the country be requested to address the Hon'ble Judges of various High Courts and Supreme Court as 'My Lord' or 'Your Lordships' or 'Hon'ble Court' while Lawyers of Subordinate Courts, Tribunals and other Forums may address the Court as ...

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you...
  • "The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ...
  • "Everyone is out to get me" ...
  • "It's the principle that counts" ...
  • "I don't have the money to pay you" ...
  • Waiting until after the fact.

Can you chew gum in a courtroom?

DO be respectful to the judge; address him or her as "Your Honor" or "Judge." DON'T chew gum in the courtrooms. DO turn pagers and cellular telephones off while visiting the Courthouse. DON'T bring food or beverages into a courtroom.

How do you bow in court?

If you leave, or are not there when you are called, your case can be dealt with in your absence.
...
When you go into the courtroom you should:
  1. bow your head facing the judge, magistrate, registrar or assessor as soon as you walk in.
  2. take a seat in the back of the courtroom.
  3. be quiet while other cases are being dealt with.

What should a woman wear to Court?

Women should wear slacks and a dress shirt or a skirt and a dress shirt. Don't be too revealing, sexy, or inappropriately dressed. Do not wear exercise outfits, tight tops, short skirts, or sundresses. Avoid crop tops or any top with spaghetti straps.

How do you present in front of a judge?

A judge should be addressed as “My Lord” or “My Lady”. A Master is always “Your Honour”.

How do you act in front of a judge?

Stand up when it is your turn to speak.
  1. You should always stand when addressing the judge or court, unless directed otherwise.
  2. You may be asked to sit in a witness stand during questioning.
  3. Speak loudly and clearly in a polite tone when talking to the judge.

What does Mr mean after a judge's name?

Adjudicator (Tribunal Judge) Mr (Mrs) Adjudicator Smith (QC) Mr (Mrs) Adjudicator Smith (QC) Sir/Madam. District Judge.

What is a Purple judge?

Circuit judges are styled His or Her Honour Judge X and are referred to as His or Her Honour. They are sometimes referred to as "purple judges" on account of their purple colour dress robes. Recorders effectively function as part-time circuit judges and are also addressed as "Your Honour".