How to be respectful to a judge?

Asked by: Prof. Jaycee Murazik  |  Last update: February 9, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (39 votes)

To be respectful to a judge, address them as "Your Honor" or "Judge," stand when speaking to or when they enter/leave the courtroom, dress professionally (no hats), turn off all electronics, speak clearly and directly without interrupting, and maintain a calm, composed demeanor. Showing respect through your actions and words demonstrates you value the court's authority and proceedings.

How do you show respect to a judge?

Refer to the Judge as “Your Honor.” Stand up when the Judge and jury enter and leave the courtroom. Stand when speaking to the Judge. No food or beverages are allowed in the courtroom.

What do judges like to hear?

In hearings or trials, we love you when you stipulate to what you can. Don't waste time on things that are unimportant to the issue that you want us to decide. Judges love stipulations that save time. Be intellectually honest; don't try to trick us into ruling your way.

How to respectfully talk to a judge?

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.

What not to say to a judge in court?

You should not say anything sarcastic, interrupt the judge, lie, use slang, make personal attacks on others, guarantee outcomes, or speak about things not relevant to the case; instead, remain respectful, address the judge as "Your Honor," answer only the question asked, and be direct and truthful to maintain credibility. 

How judges can show respect | Victoria Pratt

42 related questions found

What colors do judges like to see?

Above All, Dress Conservatively and Respectfully

Dressing appropriately is essential to convey respect for the court and the seriousness of the proceedings. Navy blue is a preferred color choice, as it conveys professionalism and makes a serious impression on judges and juries.

What do judges not like?

Judges hate a situation where you say something using “by the way”. It suggests that you are bringing up a point you only thought about at the dying minutes and you are tossing it in, in a bid to have some significance. You are trying to show the judge that the point you are making is important.

How to impress your judge?

20 Ways to Impress the Judge When Testifying in Court

  1. Dress professionally and appropriately. ...
  2. Show up on time in the right place. ...
  3. You may have to wait outside the courtroom before your testimony.

What is the hardest case to win in court?

The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, like crimes against children or sexual assault, where jurors struggle with bias; complex, voluminous evidence, such as white-collar fraud; and defenses that challenge societal norms, like an insanity plea, which faces high scrutiny and conflicting expert testimony. Cases with weak physical evidence, uncooperative witnesses (like in sex crimes), or those involving unpopular defendants (e.g., child abusers) are particularly challenging for defense attorneys.
 

How do you say hello to a judge?

If you're meeting someone with a title, be sure to use it appropriately. A judge would most likely be addressed as Your Honor or Judge.

How to be likeable in court?

How To Present Yourself In Court To Be Optimally Likable and...

  1. Be Yourself. How many times have you heard this advice? ...
  2. Really Listen. Do judges say that you don't listen to them? ...
  3. Make Great Eye Contact. ...
  4. Smile More Than You Frown. ...
  5. Have A Great Voice. ...
  6. Gesture Naturally. ...
  7. Become A Fabulous Storyteller. ...
  8. Conclusion.

How to look good in front of a judge?

Dos for Dressing for Court

  1. Dress for success and professionalism.
  2. Dress plainly.
  3. Wear clean clothes that fit and don't attract attention.
  4. Wear dress shoes.
  5. Wear a dress shirt.
  6. Wear a tie.
  7. Dark leather shoes.
  8. Make sure your clothes fit.

How to tell if a judge is good?

A good judge needs to be even-tempered, yet firm; open-minded, yet willing and able to reach a decision; confident, yet not self-centered. Mental and physical capacity to fulfill the duties of judicial office.

What do judges want to hear?

At the end of the day, a judge wants to hear three things: accountability, responsibility, and remorse. They also want to hear your reasoning.

What's the best color to wear to court?

Seek dark, neutral colors like navy blue, black, and gray. If you would wear something to an interview for a professional position, you are probably safe wearing it to court. his or her opinion. The best choice of attire for court is a suit - either a pantsuit or a skirt suit.

Do you say yes, ma, am to a judge?

🤯 Always address the judge correctly, not as 'sir' or 'ma'am,' but as "Your Honor." It's not just about formality, it's about respect and perception!

What is the stupidest court case?

We all know the most famous frivolous lawsuit story. Stella Liebeck sued McDonald's back in 1992 when she spilled hot coffee on herself. "But coffee is meant to be hot" we all cry. Dig a little deeper into the case however and it starts to look less frivolous.

What happens to 90% of court cases?

According to the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, "The overwhelming majority (90 to 95 percent) of cases result in plea bargaining."

How to easily win a court case?

Whether you represent yourself or hire an attorney, there are things you can do to ensure a good result in your case.

  1. Find the Right Court. ...
  2. Litigate for the Right Reasons. ...
  3. Mediate Instead of Litigate. ...
  4. Communicate With Your Attorney. ...
  5. Be Willing to Negotiate. ...
  6. Follow Court Procedures. ...
  7. You'll Need a Good Lawyer.

What not to tell a judge?

You should not say anything sarcastic, interrupt the judge, lie, use slang, make personal attacks on others, guarantee outcomes, or speak about things not relevant to the case; instead, remain respectful, address the judge as "Your Honor," answer only the question asked, and be direct and truthful to maintain credibility. 

What makes you look better in court?

Dress nicely. You don't need to (and shouldn't) look like you're ready for a walk down the “Red-Carpet” – that would be overdoing it. Just a clean, attractive attire is sufficient. Something a judge would see as appropriate and respectful.

How to stand in front of a judge?

3 When the Judge enters the courtroom, all persons present will stand. 4 The Judge will bow to counsel and, at the same time, counsel will bow to the Judge. This is a mark of mutual professional respect. 5 Counsel will stand when addressing the Judge and when addressed by the Judge.

What annoys a judge?

Other judges said they dislike personal attacks, snide remarks, innuendo, or sarcasm. One judge said his or her biggest pet peeve is “the growing tendency to wax personal in responding to arguments.” Unorganized briefs.

What do judges fear?

During the defendant's second trial, the defendant threatened to kill the jurors. Judges also have safety concerns: a judge in New York barely avoided being shot when a former defendant fired a sawed off rifle in the courtroom. Other judges have been threatened, injured, or killed while on the job.

Who is the kindest judge?

The show of love and support for the beloved Judge Frank Caprio, overwhelming. This proves that kindness and compassion especially in the courtroom go a long way. He was the judge of all people.