How to greet a judge in court?

Asked by: Eryn Bode  |  Last update: January 24, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (66 votes)

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.

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 do you first say to a judge?

The best bet is, ``Your Honor'' and if they ask you a question (any lawyer, any officer of the court), always address your answer to the judge, so, answer ``Yes, sir'' or ``Yes, ma'am'' or ``Yes, Your Honor.'' Sounds archaic, but really, this formal address is showing respect for the authority of the judge.

How do you greet judges?

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.”

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.

How to Address a Judge in Court

17 related questions found

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.

What not to tell 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 do you say hi to 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.

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 phrases do they say in court?

Common Courtroom Phrases
  • As jurors you are not to be swayed by sympathy.
  • Bail should be continued.
  • Call your next witness.
  • Can you tell the jury…?
  • Could you briefly describe …?
  • Could you describe the appearance of (a package, etc.)?
  • Counsel, lay a foundation.
  • Defendant will be remanded.

What is good to say to judge?

Don't just tell them what you think about it but tell them how that reflection has changed you. Talk to the judge about the things that you've done to try to make it better since you committed the crime but don't just talk about the things you've done like it's a list.

How do you introduce yourself to a judge?

Judges may preside over many cases in a day and not remember everyone's names. Stand and greet the court, then state your name and who you are representing. For example: “Good morning, your honor. My name is John Smith.

How early should you arrive to court?

What to do when you arrive at court: Show up at least one hour early so you can find the courtroom on time. You may find that you need to file court papers on the day of your hearing. In that case, you will probably have to go to the central clerk's office to file documents and then return to the courtroom.

What to wear for court?

Dress in Business Casual, Dress Properly

For men, opt for a suit and tie or a button-down shirt; anything that falls under business attire is a good option. Women can choose a business-appropriate dress, skirt, or pantsuit. Avoid flashy colors or overly casual attire.

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. "

What is a slang word for judge?

beak (British, slang)

Why do you call a judge your honor?

The phrase your honor meaning is a sign of respect. It is one of several common lawyer phrases in court. The 'your honor' definition per Oxford Dictionary is “high respect; great esteem” and “a title of respect given to or used in addressing a judge or a mayor”.

What are the most common legal terms?

The following definitions will make it easier for you to understand common legal words and phrases used frequently during a trial.
  • Action, Case, Suit. A legal dispute brought into court for a hearing or trial.
  • Answer. ...
  • Acquit. ...
  • Cause of Action. ...
  • Challenge for Cause. ...
  • Closing Argument. ...
  • Complaint. ...
  • Counterclaim.

How to properly talk to a judge?

When you are speaking with a judge, you must do so directly and clearly. Answer their questions factually and to the point. Try to avoid using any hand gestures, becoming irritated or overwhelmed, and using foul language in front of the judge.

What not to say in court?

Don't mumble; speak loudly enough to be heard by everyone in the room. Don't lie about anything, not even white [small] lies. If you are discovered to be lying, the judge may find it hard to believe you when you are telling the truth.

How do you say thank you to a judge?

Dear [Judge Name], Thank you for participating in the final round review process for the Big Ideas@Berkeley Contest. We are honored to have your support and the competition would not be possible without you.

What annoys judges?

In this article, we have listed five things that annoy judges which self-reps must try to avoid.
  • When you put yourself in the argument. ...
  • Asking the judge if he or she has read the material. ...
  • Looking and being casual. ...
  • Stop making about on everything. ...
  • Being nasty is a case killer.

What makes a judge mad?

Judges want their courtrooms to be professional places where justice can be served and laws are upheld. If you have an outburst of any kind, the judge is going to get agitated and/or angry. It's critical to keep your composure in the courtroom — no matter what aggravating factors are at play.

When a judge doesn't like you?

What if I get a judge that doesn't like me? Unfortunately, you are stuck. The only way you can change a judge is if you recuse them but there has to be some sort of wrongdoing or bias that is shown and that's not always easy to do.