What does a chancery judge do?

Asked by: scraper  |  Last update: July 27, 2026
Score: 0/5 (0 votes)

A chancery judge (or chancellor) presides over a court of equity rather than a strict court of law. They resolve disputes by determining what is fair and right, and they generally issue rulings (like injunctions or specific performance) rather than simply awarding financial damages.

What kind of cases are heard in chancery court?

The types of cases that are heard in chancery court are mainly those that could be based in fairness: divorce, adoption, trust, wills, probate, custody. Sometimes contract and corporate disputes are heard, civil liberties disputes. The only case that is not ever heard is a criminal trial.

What should you not say to a judge?

“I'm going to appeal!” This can be interpreted as a threat, which is audaciously unwise, and very unlikely to make the judge change his or her order.

Are chancery courts still used today?

Many of the early American colonies preserved the distinction between common law and equity jurisdiction, and some states eventually established chancery courts with exclusive jurisdiction over matters in equity. Today though, only a few states maintain separate chancery courts.

What does chancery mean in court?

In a legal context, chancery refers to a court of equity. Unlike standard courts that only award money damages, chancery courts resolve disputes based on fairness and can order parties to perform specific actions, stop doing something, or modify a contract.

What is Chancery Court?

24 related questions found

What is a chancery judge?

In the old English legal system, a chancellor is a judge who sit in a chancery court—an equity court. In equity courts, the chancellor has the power to order acts rather than damages. As a result, injunctions, specific performance and vacatur are remedies available in equity.

What does "oye oye oye" mean in court?

"Oyez, oyez, oyez" (pronounced oh-yay) is a traditional court call meaning "Hear ye!" or "Listen!" Derived from Anglo-Norman French and used three times, it serves as a formal command to command silence and attention at the opening of a court session, particularly in the Supreme Court of the United States.

What are examples of chancery cases?

Cases dealt with by the court are wide ranging and include disputes, among many other kinds, over:

  • family inheritance and wills.
  • land and other property, including trusts and uses.
  • debts.
  • marriage settlements.
  • apprenticeships.
  • trade and bankruptcy.

How to greet a judge?

Address a judge by saying "Your Honor". Always stand when speaking to them or when they address you. Keep your greeting succinct, polite, and formal, leaving any personal familiarity outside the courtroom.

Which states still have chancery courts?

Only a few states maintain separate chancery (or equity) courts, while most others have merged law and equity into a single court system.

What annoys a judge?

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.

Who can overrule a judge's decision?

The court of appeals does not receive additional evidence or hear witnesses. The court of appeals may review the factual findings made by the trial court or agency, but generally may overturn a decision on factual grounds only if the findings were “clearly erroneous.”

What color do judges like to see in court?

Judges prefer to see conservative, muted, and neutral colors like navy blue, charcoal gray, and black. These solid, subdued tones project respect, humility, and seriousness. It is best to avoid bright, flashy colors, as they can be distracting and appear disrespectful in a formal legal setting.

At what age do most judges retire?

Judges may finish the final term during which they turn 70. Judges who do not retire at 70 lose all earned retirement benefits.

Has any president ignored a Supreme Court ruling?

Yes, U.S. presidents have historically ignored or defied Supreme Court rulings, though direct, open disobedience of a final order is rare. The most prominent examples involve Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln, who took actions that challenged or ignored the judicial branch during significant political or wartime crises.

Who is the greatest judge of all time?

Legal historians and scholars typically consider John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, to be the greatest judge in American history.

How do you impress a judge?

To impress a judge, be punctual, dress conservatively, and demonstrate absolute respect. Speak concisely, address the bench as "Your Honor," and maintain emotional control. Judges are focused on procedure; never argue, interrupt, or show frustration with the court or opposing side.

What is the golden rule in court?

In the legal system, the "Golden Rule" usually refers to a specific rule of conduct in jury trials: lawyers are not allowed to ask jurors to put themselves in the place of the victim.

How do you say thank you to a judge?

Thanking a judge should be done with extreme professionalism, brevity, and respect, usually limited to "Thank you, your Honor" at the conclusion of proceedings. Avoid personal, lengthy, or ex-parte communication (contact without the other party present) regarding a case, as this can be seen as attempting to influence them.

What does a chancery court judge do?

A court of equity, in which a judge can order acts performed, such as that a contract be modified or an activity stopped. The chancery court's functions are distinct from those of common law courts, which can order money damages to be paid, and where jury trials are available.

Why is it called chancery?

Etymology. The word chancery is from French, from Latin, and ultimately refers to the lattice-work partition that divided a section of a church or court, from which also derives chancel, cancel "cross out with lines", and, more distantly, incarcerate "put behind bars" – see chancery for details.

What cases go to chancery court?

Chancery Court: The Chancery Court hears matters relating to land and family. Land disputes, eminent domain cases, divorce, child custody, and probated estates are examples of cases it hears. Almost all of the cases heard are decided by the Judge/Chancellor only.

What should you never say to a judge?

Never argue with the judge, only present your position. ❌ “You're wrong.” • ❌ “That doesn't make sense.” • ❌ “You don't understand.” • ✅ “With respect, Your Honour, I see it differently.” • ✅ “May I offer another perspective?” Respectful disagreement is allowed; disrespect is not.

Why do girls call Oye?

So, if someone calls you oye instead of your name, you know there's a close bond between the two of you. It is also a word used to grab the attention of someone who is younger than you. Usage: “Oye, what's up?”

What is OL in court terms?

OL. This represents the offense level of the violation. Term Level. This represents whether manner in which the defendant was sentenced (low, mid, upper term). Term Imposed.