What do I call a judge?
Mia Horton
Updated on January 07, 2026
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.
Why do we call judges honorable?
The main purpose behind the use of the term "your honor" as it is used for judges today is still to denote that higher stature and additional respect that judges deserve. Judges occupy positions that require them to give unbiased, honest, consistent, and reliable opinions about legal and criminal matters.Is it rude to call a judge a judge?
To address a judge in court, stand and make eye contact with them to show that you're paying attention and being respectful. When you speak, always address them as "Your Honor." If the judge asks you a question and you don't understand, politely ask for clarification before answering.How do you refer to a judge in a letter?
For almost all judges, write "Dear Judge" followed by the judge's last name to begin the letter. Write this on its own line, followed by a comma. Address justices of the UK Supreme Court as "Dear (Lord/Lady) (surname)" instead. If writing to a U.S. state or federal Supreme Court, use "Dear Justice" instead.What do you call a judge UK?
Circuit judges are addressed as "Your Honour", unless sitting in the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey), in which case addressed as "My Lord (Lady)".Clarence Thomas calls on Supreme Court to revisit gay marriage decision
Why are judges called my lord?
The origin of the address “My Lord” certainly goes back to the disgraceful colonial era. Since the judges of the Supreme Court of England were holding Lordship, which was a typical feudal title of the British system, they were addressed by the British lawyers as “My Lord” or “My Lady”.What do you call a high court judge?
In court. High Court judge. The Honourable Mr Justice Wicksteed. Judge. My Lord.How do you address a judge in court USA?
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 should you not say to a judge?
Never make a definitive statementAlways 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.
What do you call a judge in Canada?
it is also acceptable to address a male judge as “My Lord” and a female judge as “My Lady”. In the Provincial and Family Courts, the Judge is addressed as "Your Honour", regardless of gender. For example, "Yes, Your Honour, I will do that.".How do you introduce yourself to a judge in court?
Check in with the judge's clerkIntroduce yourself to the judge's clerk or legal assistant once you arrive for the hearing. Let them know the case on which you have the hearing or conference with the judge. Be courteous to the judge's staff — they grease the wheels of justice.