How do you address a Supreme Court judge in BC?

Asked by: Mr. Michale Kuhn V  |  Last update: November 14, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (8 votes)

Protocols. When you have an opportunity to address a judge in Supreme Court, you would say “Mister” or “Madame Justice” (last name) outside the courtroom and “My Lord” or “My Lady” inside the courtroom. Masters are addressed as Master before their surname (Master White) outside of court and as “Your Honour” in court.

How do you address a Supreme Court judge in Canada?

How does one address a judge? At the hearing, counsel may use either "Justice", "Mr. Justice" or "Madam Justice," when addressing the members of the panel hearing the appeal. Counsel are asked to refrain from addressing the judges as "My Lord", "My Lady", "Your Lordship," or "Your Ladyship."

What do you call a judge at the Supreme Court of BC?

Addressing Judges

1. A justice is to be addressed as “Chief Justice”, “Associate Chief Justice”, “Justice”, “Madam Justice”, or “Mr. Justice” as the context requires. 2. The use of the terms “My Lord”, “My Lady”, “Your Lordship”, and “Your Ladyship” is to be avoided.

What is the etiquette for the Supreme Court in BC?

Speak calmly and clearly and stand when you speak to the judge or when he or she speaks to you. Also, to show respect, do not make faces when you do not like something that was said. Never argue with the judge or you may be found in contempt of court.

How do you address a master Supreme Court in BC?

A Master is appointed to the Supreme Court of BC similar to a Justice; however, Masters have different authority than Justices under the Supreme Court Act (see Section 11.3) and cannot make decisions on all the matters that Justices can. You can address a Master by saying “Your Honour”.

Courts of BC - Supreme Court

26 related questions found

What is the proper way to address a Supreme Court Justice?

Only the Chief Justice is addressed as Mr. Chief Justice. Others are addressed as "Justice Scalia," "Justice Ginsburg," or "Your Honor." The title "Judge" is not used for Supreme Court Justices.

What do you call a judge in Canada?

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.

How do Supreme Court Justices greet each other?

The "Judicial Handshake" has been a tradition since the days of Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller in the late 19th century. When the Justices assemble to go on the Bench each day and at the beginning of the private Conferences at which they discuss decisions, each Justice shakes hands with each of the other eight.

Is the BC Supreme Court open to the public?

Yes, the courts are open to the public except in very rare circumstances. Hearings usually take place between 10 am and 4 pm. The daily hearing list for each Supreme Court location is posted on the court's website each morning and in the lobby of the courthouse.

How many Justices are on the BC Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 443, provides for a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, an Associate Chief Justice, and 95 other justices. The legislation also provides for supernumerary judges who sit hearing cases part-time.

How much do BC Supreme Court judges make?

Salaries (continued)

(a) the Chief Justice of British Columbia, $371,400; (b) the 12 Justices of Appeal, $338,800 each; (c) the Chief Justice and the Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, $371,400 each; and. (d) the 86 other judges of the Supreme Court, $338,800 each.

What are Supreme Court judges actually called?

Nine Justices make up the current Supreme Court: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The Honorable John G.

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.” Special Titles.

Are judges called your majesty in Canada?

Judges of the Supreme Court of Canada and of the federal-level courts prefer the use of "Mister/Madam (Chief) Justice". Justices of the Peace are addressed as "Your Worship".

Do you call a justice of the peace your honor?

(1) Justices of the peace who are elected in a general election are likely addressed as The Honorable (Full Name), and identified as a Justice of the Peace on formal correspondence. However, there are many varied local traditions.

What happens if you don't call a judge your honor?

Remember, a judge can hold you in contempt of court, meaning they can give you a fine or even put you in jail for speaking disrespectfully. However, even if they do not, disrespectful behavior can tarnish your testimony and case. In extreme cases, a judge might even dismiss your claim.

Where is the Supreme Court in BC?

The Supreme Court is co-located with the Provincial Court in Port Alberni. For information about the Provincial Court operations in Port Alberni, please contact the Provincial Court.

Is the BC Supreme Court federal or provincial?

The Supreme Court is the province's superior trial court. It is a court of general and inherent jurisdiction, which means that it can hear any type of case, civil or criminal. It also hears most appeals from the Provincial Court, in both civil and criminal cases.

Can you go directly to the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays. To obtain updated information on visiting the Supreme Court please call (202) 479-3211.

Can you call a Supreme Court justice your honor?

Others are referred to as “Justice Scalia,” “Justice Ginsburg,” or “Your Honor.” Do not use the title “Judge.” If you are in doubt about the name of a Justice who is addressing you, it is better to use “Your Honor” rather than mistakenly address the Justice by another Justice's name.

Why call a judge your honor?

Addressing the judge as “Your Honour” comes from ancient feudal practice. Your Honour was a formal address for anyone with a title (e.g. knight, baron, etc). This habit just became formalised over the years for judges (while dropped for the titled people).

What are the opening words of the Supreme Court?

"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW" - These words, written above the main entrance to the Supreme Court Building, express the ultimate responsibility of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Do you call a judge your Honour in Canada?

The proper designation of a Provincial Court Judge is "Your Honour".

What do judges like to be called?

Address Seated Judge as "Your Honor" or "The Court"

It really is like nails on a chalkboard to hear opposing counsel say "Judge, I object!" And although it may be a small matter to some, it's important to develop good courtroom habits for your legal career.

What do you call a British 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.”