Why do South Africans say my lady in court?

Asked by: Rosina Pacocha IV  |  Last update: October 3, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (13 votes)

When witnesses take the stand, they are talking to the court (not to the lawyers). The head of the court is the judge, and in this case the judge is female. Hence, “My Lady”. If the judge was male, the words would be My Lord or My Lordship.

What do you call a female Judge in South Africa?

2. High courts: My Lord/Your lordship or My lady depending on the gender of the presiding Judge. Male Judge: My Lord or My lordship. Female Judge: My lady.

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.

How do you address a female magistrate South Africa?

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".

How long did Oscar get in jail?

Oscar Pistorius's bid for parole has failed because he applied for it too early in his 13-year sentence for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The former Olympic and Paralympic athlete, known as the Blade Runner, had applied for release on the grounds he had served half of his prison term.

South Africans praise Semenya after court ruling

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What happened to the South African runner who killed his girlfriend?

Pistorius was sentenced to six years in jail for murder, but prosecutors again appealed what they called a “shockingly lenient” punishment. The Supreme Court of Appeal then increased his sentence to 13.5 years in prison in 2017.

What do you call a female judge?

How 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.”

What happens if you don't call a judge your honor?

Remember, a judge can hold you in contempt of court, meaning they can give you a fine or even put you in jail for speaking disrespectfully. However, even if they do not, disrespectful behavior can tarnish your testimony and case. In extreme cases, a judge might even dismiss your claim.

What does a magistrate do in South Africa?

A Regional Magistrate makes the decisions in a Regional Court, sometimes with the support of lay assessors. The Regional Courts deal with serious cases such as murder, rape, armed robbery and serious assault. These courts do not hear treason cases.

What do South Africans call a 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 the dress code for a lawyer in South Africa?

The rules of the South African courts prescribe a dress code for legal practitioners who appear before the court. Black Robes are worn by both advocates and attorneys in the High Court. In the Magistrates' Court, only attorneys are required to wear the robes when appearing.

How do you address a judge and his 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.

What is the meaning of court ladies?

A lady-in-waiting (alternatively written lady in waiting) or court lady is a female personal assistant at a court, attending on a royal woman or a high-ranking noblewoman.

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.

How many female judges are there in South Africa?

The gender composition of South Africa's Judiciary

September 2020 sees 134 male judges (58,5%) and 95 female judges (41,5%).

What not to tell a judge?

Do Not Exaggerate, Mislead, or State Anything Untrue. It goes without saying that you should never lie to a judge (that is perjury), but you should also avoid exaggerating the facts or misleading the court about any issue. Most judges can sense when a witness is stretching the truth, and they do not appreciate it.

What not to say in front of a judge?

Never make a definitive statement

Always say "that is all I remember" instead of "That is everything, nothing else," as it leaves room for correction. You can get yourself in trouble this way and make it seem like you were hiding something in your original statement.

How do you impress a judge in court?

You may be nervous when you get into the courtroom, but these six tips will help ease any anxiety about how it's going to go.
  1. Know the judge. ...
  2. Be organized with your paperwork. ...
  3. Dress Appropriately. ...
  4. Stay calm in front of the jury. ...
  5. Keep eye contact with the jury. ...
  6. Don't be late to court.

What do you call an ex judge?

How to Address a Former Judge. How to Address a Retired Judge. Unless he or she left the bench in dishonor, retired judges continue to be addressed in writing – or listed in a program as – the Honorable' (Full Name) . They are addressed in conversation or a salutation as Judge (Surname) in every social situation.

What is bigger than a judge?

The next level of judicial authority resides with the Courts of Appeal. Most cases before the Courts of Appeal involve the review of a superior court decision being contested by a party to the case.

What is the lady that types in court?

A court reporter, court stenographer, or shorthand reporter is a person whose occupation is to capture the live testimony in proceedings using a stenographic machine, thereby transforming the proceedings into an official certified transcript by nature of their training, certification, and usually licensure.

Where is Pistorius jailed?

Pistorius' conviction eventually led to him being sent to the Kgosi Mampuru II maximum security prison, one of South Africa's most notorious. He was moved to the Atteridgeville prison in 2016 because that facility is better suited to disabled prisoners.

Why was Oscar Pistorius jailed?

The Paralympian was jailed after he was found guilty of the murder of Steenkamp. He shot her four times through his bathroom door in the early hours of Valentine's Day in 2013. At the trial Pistorius, now 36, claimed that he shot at his girlfriend with a pistol because he believed she was an intruder.

Does Oscar Pistorius have any money left?

What is Oscar Pistorius' Net Worth? Oscar Pistorius is a South African Olympic sprinter who has a net worth of $150 thousand.