How do you address a letter to a judge of a superior court?

Question

I am writing to a judge to apply for an internship in his court. Since honorable is always preceded by 'the,' I can't write Dear The Honorable Judge Smith. Or Dear Your Honor. That's weird. So do I write Dear Judge Smith or Dear Judge Joe Smith?

Please include in your answer where you get your information from. I want to make sure it is correct!

Answer 1

Since you're looking for salutation rather than address, I believe the standard form is "Dear Judge Smith".

Answer 2

While I do not have a "source" per se, I will tell you what I would do if I were you. In my line of work I have addressed many letters to judges. Try this:


February 3, 2007

The Honorable Bob Smith
Whatever County Superior Court
123 Main Street
City, State 99999

Your Honor,

Please find enclosed my resume....etc.....

Good luck!

Answer 3

A letter to a judge would be correctly addressed: His or Her (as appropriate)Honor John/Jane Doe, that would be the most professional and appropriate.

Answer 4

Auntie Mame is right except that you should always use a colon (:) after Your Honor and not a comma (,). Also, do not say: Please find. That sounds like you are begging. Instead say: enclosed you will find.
Cheers,
Mr. M on "how to address."

Answer 5

you should write Mr or madame justice . that is how to address them .
leave the dear out and just start with what i wrote