Why do we give our judges such curious titles? Alec Samuels solves the riddle in a new two-part series
All of us in the law understand the judicial titles, how to describe the judges and how to address them. But the man in the street, and the lay litigant and lay witness, often have no idea what it is all about. There is some merit in respecting historical origin and continuity leading to contemporary stability. However, when confusion or misunderstanding or mystery prevail it would seem to be time for modernisation and simplification. There is a case for a hierarchy of jurisdictions and a consequent hierarchy of judges, but the system should be logical and simple and intelligible.
Judge or justice?
These terms seem to be largely interchangeable. Though perhaps the judge holds the office of judge and is personally described as a justice.
The situation in the Supreme Court is becoming clear. The judges are Justices of the Supreme Court. The life peers are dying out. In due course all the judges will be Sir John Smith, Justice of the Supreme Court
