What do lawyers call the Judge in South Africa?

How do you address a judge in South Africa?

Q How do I address a Judge? A Judges are referred to as Your Honour. Otherwise, Madam or Sir. A A Judge is a presiding officer in a Superior Court and a Magistrate presides over matters in a Regional or District Magistrates' Court.

What does judiciary mean in South Africa?

The judiciary interprets the law, decides disputes and applies the Constitution in the name of the state. The judicial authority of the RSA is vested in the system of courts, as well as judges and magistrates who sit in these courts. The judiciary is tasked with ensuring equal justice under the law.

What do you call a South African judge?

The formality of address in any court room in South Africa has always amazed me. In the Magistrates Courts, the magistrates are addressed as "Your Worship". In the high courts, male judges are addressed as "My Lord", and female judges are addressed as "My Lady".

What is a respectful address for a judge?

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 another way to address 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.”

Can an attorney become a judge in South Africa?

A candidate must have studied law, and became an advocate, attorney or a magistrate. In very rare circumstances a candidate coming from academia may be appointed as a judge, this is because they are seldom appointed as acting judges and often lack experience of legal practice if they have only been in academia.

Who has more power a judge or a Magistrate?

Difference between judges and magistrates

Judges, on the other hand, are typically elected to a position within a judicial district. Judges oversee the decisions made by a magistrate and have the authority to approve, modify or reverse a decision.

Who appoints high court judges in South Africa?

In the appointment of the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice, finally, the JSC's power is most attenuated: the President makes the appointments "after consulting" the JSC and opposition parties, whose opinions they may disregard.

Why do South Africans say my lady in court?

The paralympian wasn't being fresh with Judge Thokozile Masipa. "My lady" is the accepted way to address female judges in South Africa, while the male equivalent is "my lord."

How much does a judge make in South Africa?

President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted judges and magistrates increases of 3%. Magistrates will now earn closer to R1. 1 million per year, and judges are creeping towards R2 million per year.

What do the British call judges?

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.”

Is it OK to say yes sir to judge?

Be sure to answer "Yes Sir/Ma'am" and "No Sir/Ma'am" and to address the judge as "Your Honor. "

How do you show respect to a judge?

Be polite and respectful to everyone. When you speak to the Judge, say “Yes, your honor” or “No, your honor.” • Sit up straight. Don't slouch in your chair. Try not to use slang.

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 is the South African version of Judge Judy?

This is what we'll be hearing on kykNET & Kie this October with the premiere of a new Judge Judy-type reality show Die Hof (The Court). The format: real life advocate Suzie Gordon presides over small claims cases and provides a legally binding decision by the end of her deliberations.

What is another name to call a judge?

A public official whose duty it is to administer the law. justice. magistrate. beak. jurist.

Who is the highest judge in South Africa?

What is the role of judges in South Africa?

decide on the constitutionality of any parliamentary or provincial Bill; decide on the constitutionality of any amendment to the Constitution; and. decide that parliament or the president has failed to fulfil a constitutional obligation.

What is the judicial hierarchy in South Africa?

The Chief Justice of South Africa, the Deputy Chief Justice and the other judges of the Constitutional Court. The President, Deputy President and other judges of the Supreme Court of Appeal. The Judge President, Deputy Judge President and other judges of each of the High Courts.

Is there justice in South Africa?

Access to justice in South Africa is significantly impeded by high levels of poverty and illiteracy. Furthermore, legal fees and other costs associated with accessing the South African civil justice system are expensive and often prohibitive.