What do you call a retired judge?

Asked by: Karli O'Connell  |  Last update: January 23, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (75 votes)

Historically, retired judges have been allowed to keep their titles and are addressed as “judge” or “'your honor” as a sign of respect.

What is it called when a judge retires?

Judges' Retirement System (JRS) Judges' Retirement System II (JRS II)

What is the proper way to address a retired judge?

Whether walking into a local restaurant or attending a community event, former judges will continue to be addressed as “judge.” Judges will be hired for jobs not only for their judicial experience, but also for the positive “label” that having a former judge on payroll will bring.

How to address a retired judge in the UK?

On retirement a High Court Judge is addressed as Sir John Smith and a Judge of the Court of Appeal is addressed as The Rt Hon/The Right Honourable Sir John Smith. There is no change for Law Lords or Justices of the Supreme Court.

Do you still call someone judge after they retire?

The retired judges and magistrate judges who serve as arbitrators and mediators for the private Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service are referred to on JAMS' website as “Hon.” (and “Ret.”), and in my experience in practice are addressed as “Judge” or “Justice.” The American Arbitration Association website touts ...

CALE - Should Retired Judges Be Allowed To Practice Law?

40 related questions found

Do judges retain their title after retirement?

Yes. In official judicial correspondence and cards, and in law directories, a retired judge subject to assignment may be identified as a retired judge or justice.

How do you write the name of a retired judge?

We typically refer to them as Judge Lastname when speaking to them, as a private retired judge for purposes of categorization, and as Honorable Full Name, (Ret). in written correspondence and briefs.

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.

What does LJ stand for in law?

LJ – Lord Justice, Lady Justice (appearing after the surname)

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.”

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.

Is a magistrate a judge?

What is a magistrate judge? A magistrate judge is a judicial officer of the district court and is appointed by majority vote of the active district judges of the court. A magistrate judge exercises jurisdiction over matters assigned by statute as well as those delegated by the district judges.

How to address an envelope to a retired judge and wife?

On the outer envelope, refer to a Judge by their formal title, "The Honorable," followed by his formal name. Include the spouse's title for a married Judge. If single, drop the spouse's name. Drop the first names of both the Judge and spouse for invitations with an inner envelope.

How do I refer to a retired judge?

“A lawyer who is a retired or former judge or magistrate may use a title such as 'justice,' 'judge,' 'magistrate,' 'Honorable' or 'Hon.

Who is a former judge?

More Definitions of Former judge

Former judge means a judge no longer holding office, who was elected and served as a judge. Former judge means a person who has been a Justice of the High Court or ajudge of another federal court or of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory.

What does retired mean in court?

Understanding Retirement as a Legal Concept

Retirement, as defined by the law, encompasses two distinct aspects. Firstly, it refers to the voluntary fulfillment of an obligation or payment of a debt. Secondly, it involves the act of giving up one's work, position, or professional activities.

What do you call a judge in the UK?

Call them 'My Lord' or 'My Lady' in court. Address them in correspondence according to their full title, as listed below, and begin the letter 'Dear ___' using the words in bold. The Right Honourable The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales. The Right Honourable The Master of the Rolls.

What does CRF mean in law?

STATE OF CALIFORNIA. CONTRACT REQUEST FORM (CRF)

What is LJ short for?

L.J. is an abbreviation that can stand for different things depending on the context. It can mean Law Judge, Law Journal, or Lord Justice. It can also stand for other legal terms like Bachelor of Laws (LL. B), Doctor of Laws (LL.

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.

Is swearing at a judge illegal?

For example, courts have held that swearing at the judge in the courtroom is sufficient grounds for a direct contempt of court charge. Direct contempt of court is contrasted with indirect contempt of court, also known as constructive contempt.

Can you apologize to a judge?

A Court Apology Letter is a key document in legal proceedings that allows individuals to formally apologize for their actions, conveying remorse and a commitment to making amends. This letter can influence the court's perspective and potentially lead to a more favorable sentencing outcome.

Is a retired judge still called your honor?

Ethics opinions advise that a former judge who returns to the practice of law may not use a title such as “Judge,” “Honorable,” or “Hon.,” even modified by “Former,” “Retired,” or “Ret.,” in conjunction with his practice, including mediation or arbitration.

Is a retired judge still a judge?

Any judge of the United States who has retired from regular active service under section 371(b) or 372(a) of this title shall be known and designated as a senior judge and may continue to perform such judicial duties as he is willing and able to undertake, when designated and assigned as provided in subsections (c) and ...

What is the proper name to call a judge?

Most judges want you to go to the lectern except to make very brief statements, such as objections. 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.