How do you address a judge in Ontario?

Asked by: Laurie Christiansen  |  Last update: November 9, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (50 votes)

Justices of the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice are normally addressed as “Your Honour.” Justices of the Court of Appeal are normally addressed as “Justice.” The more formal “My Lord, My Lady” are no longer used to address justice of any court in Ontario.

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.

How do I properly address a letter to a judge?

You can address the judge to “The Honorable First Name Last Name” or “Judge First Name Last Name” or “Judge Last Name.” It is redundant to say “Honorable Judge” so use either “Judge” or “Honorable.”

How do you address a local court judge?

District Court Judges should be referred to as “His/Her Honour Judge …” while in court, and would be introduced as “Judge…” outside of court. Local Court Magistrates should be addressed as “Your Honour” in court, as “Magistrate …” outside of court.

How do I contact a judge directly?

If you want to tell the judge about your case or if you want to ask the judge to take cer tain action in your case, you should not call or write the judge directly. Instead, you should mail a written motion to the clerk of the judge's court or drop off that document in person at the clerk's office.

How to Address a Judge in Court

45 related questions found

Should you email a judge directly?

Please, do not send letters directly to the judge, prosecutor, or anyone else in the court system. Do not call or email those people. What you say to them may hurt the defendant, even if you think it will help.

How do I complain about a judge in Ontario?

Making a Complaint

If you have a complaint of misconduct about a provincial judge or a justice of the peace, you must state your complaint in a signed letter. The letter of complaint should include the date, time and place of the court hearing and as much detail as possible about why you feel there was misconduct.

Can you call a judge sir?

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.”

Can you bring notes to court?

You may make notes to assist you in your preparation for trial; however, generally you will not be permitted to refer to your notes while testifying unless the notes were made at the time of the event you are testifying about or shortly afterwards.

What does "ja" mean for a judge?

In the High Court, the abbreviation JA is used to denote a justice of appeal, and the letter J refers to a judge of the Court of First Instance. Masters of the High Court are addressed as Master.

Does writing a letter to the judge help?

Writing a letter to a judge requesting leniency can be a crucial step in influencing the outcome of a sentencing. Such letters, often submitted during the sentencing phase of a criminal case, aim to persuade the judge to impose a lighter sentence.

How to address a judge in Canada in writing?

Full title is: “The Honourable (full name) Judge of_______________ ”. In conversation: “Mr./Madam Justice (name)”. In letters: “Dear Mr./Madam Justice (name)”.

How do you start an email to a judge?

Include proper titles: Use "Dear Judge [Last Name]" as the salutation. 3. Provide clear subject: Mention the case or matter being addressed in the subject line.

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.

How to start a letter addressing a judge?

They should be addressed either to the Honorable [FIRST NAME] [LAST NAME] or Judge [FIRST NAME] [LAST NAME]. Although you can put the case number on the letter, it is not necessary, as it will be submitted by the lawyer.

What does a judge look for in a character letter?

A character letter plays a dual role. First, it is there to showcase your credibility as someone who knows the defendant well enough to speak on their character. It's important to come across as sincere and dependable in the eyes of the judge evaluating the letter.

How to greet a judge in court?

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. Stop speaking if the judge begins to speak.

Are handwritten notes admissible in court?

A few minor changes were made in the text of the law in 1948, and the current language, found at 28 U.S.C. 1731, reads: The admitted or proved handwriting of any person shall be admissible for purposes of com- parison, to determine the genuineness of other handwriting attributed to such person.

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.

How to impress a judge in court?

Dress professionally and appropriately. It is not necessary to dress like a lawyer, but conservative and “business casual” is a good rule. Do wear tidy clothing and groom yourself neatly. You want to be taken seriously by the judge.

Do judges like to be called your honor?

While it's not a strict legal requirement, it's a widely accepted tradition in the legal system. Using "Your Honor" helps maintain formality and ensures consistency, whereas calling a judge "sir" or "ma'am" may not reflect the same level of respect for their role.

Can I contact a judge directly?

For most court cases, ex parte communication is strictly prohibited, as it can impact the decision of the case. If you are currently in a case, you are not permitted to contact a judge outside of the courtroom. Instead of contacting the judge directly, you can file a written motion.

How do you address judges 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 to do if you feel a judge is biased?

There are several different options you can pursue if you feel a judge has acted in an unfair way, and each navigates a slightly different path.
  1. Request Recusal. ...
  2. File Appeal to Send Decision to a Higher Court. ...
  3. File a Motion for Reconsideration. ...
  4. File a Grievance on the Basis of Unethical Behavior.

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.