When engaging in court proceedings, there are a number of different rules and protocols that must be followed. In particular, it is important that you address the Judge correctly when speaking in court as you always want to try and keep them on your side.

The Lord Chief Justice and Senior President of Tribunals announced earlier this month that District Judges, Employment Judges and Judges of the Employment Appeal Tribunal are now to be addressed as ‘Judge’ rather than Sir or Madam. It is said that this change has been implemented to modernise the Tribunals and “reflect the important judicial role whilst maintaining the necessary degree of respect”.

However, there are a range of rules for how different members of the judiciary should be addressed in court. A summary of these can be found below:

• High Court Masters, Insolvency and Companies Court Judges and Deputy District Judges are also to be addressed as ‘Judge’

• Senior Judges, Court of Appeal Judges and High Court Judges are to be addressed as ‘My Lord’ or ‘My Lady’

• Circuit Judges are to be addressed as ‘Your Honour’

• Magistrates are to be addressed as ‘Your Worship’, or ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’

If you are involved in court proceedings or are looking for any assistance in relation to a contentious matter, please get in touch with Charlotte Braham at charlotte.braham@allanjanes.com or on 01494 893529.