How do you address a judge in Canada?

Asked by: Haley Hettinger  |  Last update: September 24, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (28 votes)

Counsel are asked to refrain from addressing the judges as "My Lord", "My Lady", "Your Lordship," or "Your Ladyship." In writing, the Chief Justice is addressed as "The Right Honourable" and the other judges are addressed as "The Honourable Madame Justice" or as "The Honourable Mr. Justice".

How do you address a Canadian judge in court?

When speaking to a judge, the preferred form of address is "Justice" or "Justice" followed by the last name. If the Chief Justice is sitting, the Chief Justice should be addressed as “Chief Justice”.

What is the most respectful way to address a judge?

DO be respectful to the judge; address him or her as "Your Honor" or "Judge." DON'T chew gum in the courtrooms.

What to call a judge in Ontario?

If you are addressing a judge or associate judge of the Superior Court of Justice, you should call him or her “Your Honour” or “Justice/Associate Justice (last name)”. Deputy judges should be called “Your Honour”. Please do not lean on the chair in front of you or put your feet on the chairs.

What is the proper name to call a judge?

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.” Special Titles.

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25 related questions found

Do you say honorable judge or just honorable?

Do not write “Honorable Judge” because that's redundant. Either “Judge” or “The Honorable” is acceptable. It's also acceptable to use “To Whom It May Concern.”

What is a slang word for judge?

beak (British, slang)

What do Canadians call a judge?

Counsel are asked to refrain from addressing the judges as "My Lord", "My Lady", "Your Lordship," or "Your Ladyship." In writing, the Chief Justice is addressed as "The Right Honourable" and the other judges are addressed as "The Honourable Madame Justice" or as "The Honourable Mr. Justice".

What is the salary of a judge in Canada?

2022, c.

10 The yearly salaries of the judges of the Federal Courts are as follows: (a) the Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Appeal, $371,400; (b) the other judges of the Federal Court of Appeal, $338,800 each; (c) the Chief Justice and the Associate Chief Justice of the Federal Court, $371,400 each; and.

What is the official name of a judge?

In legal contexts, they are referred to as "His/Her Honour" and "the Honourable Justice Surname" (for judges of superior courts) or "his/her Honour Judge Surname" (for inferior courts). Outside legal contexts, the formal terms of address are "Judge" (for puisne justices) or "Chief Justice" (for chief justices).

What should you not say to a judge?

Here are five things all defendants will want to avoid saying to a criminal judge:
  • 'I Did It. ' ...
  • 'They Didn't Tell Me...' ...
  • Expletives. ...
  • Lies, Lies, Lies. ...
  • 'I Will Represent Myself.

Why can't you chew gum in court?

Neither snacks nor beverages are allowed in the courtroom. Even chewing gum can be seen as a sign of disrespect, especially while speaking to the Judge. Make sure you wake up early enough before your court appointment to have breakfast and coffee, so that you'll be alert and able to focus.

Can you say yes sir to a judge?

This will lose you the respect of the judge and the jury. Any lawyer who can make a witness mad will probably cause the witness to exaggerate, appear unobjective, and emotionally unstable. Be sure to answer "Yes Sir/Ma'am" and "No Sir/Ma'am" and to address the judge as "Your Honor. "

Who appoints judges in Canada?

The federal government appoints the judges of the Supreme Court of Canada, federal courts, and provincial and territorial superior courts, while the provincial and territorial governments appoint provincial and territorial court judges.

How do you address a retired judge in Canada?

Upon retirement

Judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of BC are eligible to retain the title of "Honourable", though not all choose to do so. Provincial Court judges may be referred to, and may refer to themselves, as "Judge X (retired)”.

How many years to become a judge in Canada?

Generally, they require ten (10) years at the bar of a province or territory, or a combination of ten (10) years at the bar and in the subsequent exercise of powers and duties of a judicial nature on a full time basis in a position held pursuant to a law of Canada or of a province or territory.

Who can overrule a judge?

Most federal court decisions, and some state court rulings, can be challenged. The U.S. courts of appeals usually have the last word. The nation's 94 federal judicial districts are organized into 12 regional circuits, each of which has a court of appeals.

Does Canada have a judge or jury?

Trial by jury

Most civil cases in Canada are tried by judges without a jury. However, anyone charged with a criminal offence for which there can be a prison sentence of five years or more has the right to a trial by jury.

Why do judges retire at 70?

As the Supreme Court noted in the case involv- ing Missouri's mandatory retirement for judges: “The statute [requiring retirement at age 70] draws a line at a certain age which attempts to uphold the high competency for judicial posts and which fulfills a societal demand for the highest caliber of judges in the system. ...

What do you call a British judge?

Addressed as "My Lord" or "My Lady". In law reports they are referred to as "Smith J", and, for more than one judge, "Smith and Jones JJ".

How do you say judge in a nice way?

Synonyms
  1. justice.
  2. magistrate.
  3. official.
  4. arbitrator.
  5. arbiter.
  6. moderator.
  7. juror.
  8. adjudicator.

What is a beak in British slang?

Definition: In British slang, a beak is a magistrate or justice of the peace. Example: The accused was brought before the beak for sentencing. Explanation: In this example, the term "beak" is used to refer to a magistrate or justice of the peace who is responsible for sentencing the accused.