Why do we address judges as YOUR HONOR?

Question

Why don't we say something like O' Honored one or something like that. How come we call on their honor? I would appreciate your answers. Thanks.

Answer 1

In England and Wales (and much of the Commonwealth) judges of the higher courts are addressed as "My Lord" or "My Lady" and referred to as "Your Lordship" or "Your Ladyship". Circuit Judges are addressed as "Your Honour" and all lower judges, magistrates, and chairs of tribunals are addressed as "Sir" or "Madam". Magistrates are still addressed as "Your Worship" in South Africa, mainly by solicitors, but this practice in other Commonwealth countries is nearly obsolete. Masters of the High Court are addressed as "Master". When a judge of the High Court who is not present is being referred to they are described as "Mr./Mrs. Justice N" (written N J). In the House of Lords, judges are called Law Lords and sit as peers.

In France, the presiding judge of a court is addressed to as "Mr./Mrs. President" (Monsieur le président/Madame le président), in Germany as "Mr./Mrs. Chairman (Herr Vorsitzender/Frau Vorsitzende).

I guess the origin of all this lies in the Colonial period when the British ruled over half the world. All of Britian's colonies still follow the judicial terminologies that were used during the British Rule.

Answer 2

Judge Your Honor

Answer 3

It is out of respect for the position of power. Judges are just like anybody else, they put their pants on one leg at a time. It isn't a thing about the judge but about the position.

Judges must command respect. They hold the power to administer justice. It is the position we hold in great respect.

If you were to make such a remark to a judge such as "Oh Honored One" or other sarcastic comment, you can expect to leave in the company of law enforcement for a few days stay at the local crossbars motel.

Answer 4

All previous answeres are correct. To date, it is just the norm. Most commonly, you hear "your honor". But, addressing them as Judge or Sir is also acceptable these days.

Answer 5

in the British system certain positions are called the Honorable such and such member for Westminster
the American legal and political system is modeled on the British

Answer 6

It is in reference to "your honerable sir" I believe. The judge was and still is expected to adjudicate honorably throughout the trial. Hence, this phrase expresses confidance in his abillity to perform that task.

Answer 7

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because if we dont we'll go to jail and have to hear the judge explain to us how he is better than us and how we headed down a terrible path.

Answer 8

It's respect. They need to be shown respect cause after all if you go before one your future is in their hands. Trust me, the best lawyer on earth can be defenseless before one.

Answer 9

Dunno but really really evil lawyers are called Your Honor.