Why do we call them your honor?

Asked by: Baylee Kunze  |  Last update: July 29, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (27 votes)

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”.

Why is it called Your Honor?

The term “Your Honor” originated in feudal times and generally referenced the titled nobility.

What does it mean when someone says Your Honor?

The 'Your Honor' formal acknowledgement used when speaking to a judge in a courtroom setting, is more a tradition showing respect for both the individual judge and the system within which one is adjudicating an issue, than anything else.

Is it illegal to not call a judge Your Honor?

He has a lot of leeway to maintain order in his court, If you are disrespectful, you can be slapped with contempt of court charges, although its the judges call as to what is disrespectful. So its customary for everyone to address the judge as “your honor” which is the proper title.

Who is addressed as Your Honor?

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.”

Secrets to Speaking to the Judge - Your Honor

24 related questions found

Why do they say 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 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.

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. "

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 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.

Do you address a commissioner as Your Honor?

In the courtroom, Judges and Court Commissioners look the same and are addressed the same (address both a judge and a commissioner as 'Your Honor' when you speak in court). They also share many of the same judicial powers.

What is the deeper meaning of honor?

honor, homage, reverence, deference mean respect and esteem shown to another. honor may apply to the recognition of one's right to great respect or to any expression of such recognition.

Why say "may it please the court"?

Most law schools teach that when our feet reach the podium the first words we should pronounce-with clarity, while meeting the judge's eyes-are: "May it please the court...." There is nothing wrong with the phrase, except it's just a polite nicety if the advo- cate does not know how to "please the court."

Who do you refer to as your Honour?

Addressing the judge

Crown Court judges are usually addressed as “Your Honour” unless they're sitting as a High Court judge (red judge) or are a specially designated senior judge (such as the Recorder of Leeds). In those cases, they're addressed as “My Lord” or “My Lady”. If you're unsure, ask the usher.

Why is someone called The Honorable?

In the United States, government officials who have been elected to public office or are appointed by the President of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate are afford the courtesy title of The Honorable.

Are mayors called Your Honor?

You address judges and mayors as “Your Honour”, but you refer to them as “His/Her Honour”, or by their name. In other words, if you speak to a judge or mayor, you say “Your Honour”. If you are talking about them to someone else, you say “His/Her Honour”.

How to greet 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 country has banned chewing gum?

Chewing gum sales ban in Singapore. The sale of chewing gum in Singapore has been illegal since 1992. Some motivations for the ban included stopping the placement of used chewing gum in inappropriate and costly places, such as the sensors of subway doors, inside lock cylinders, and on elevator buttons.

What not to say in a court hearing?

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. Don't argue with the questioner. Don't ask questions back: “What would you do if…”

Is it illegal to swear at a judge?

Conduct that shows direct disrespect for the court or the judge is sufficiently offensive. For example, courts have held that swearing at the judge in the courtroom is sufficient grounds for a direct contempt of court charge.

How do you address a lawyer?

When you correspond with a lawyer, you have two choices:
  1. Write the person using a standard courtesy title (“Mr. Robert Jones” or “Ms. Cynthia Adams”)
  2. Skip the courtesy title and put “Esquire” after the name, using its abbreviated form, “Esq.” (“Robert Jones, Esq.” or “Cynthia Adams, Esq.”)

Can you say you don't remember in court?

Do not give attorneys answers you think they want. If you do not remember, say you don't remember – not that you do not know. Do not guess if you are not sure, unless you are instructed to give an estimate. If you make mistakes in answering, correct yourself as soon as you realize your mistake.

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's the best color to wear to court?

It's best to avoid bright colors. Whether you're a plaintiff or a defendant, dark or neutral colors like white, navy blue, and gray are the best colors to wear to court. Your attorney can offer guidance if you're unsure about what you're wearing.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Eight Things You Shouldn't Say to Your Lawyer
  • Do Not Say Anything to Your Attorney That Is Not True. ...
  • Do Not Exaggerate Your Injuries When Talking to Your Lawyer. ...
  • Do Not Tell Your Lawyer to Act On Your Behalf and Take Other Action Without Their Awareness.