Type of Judge

Where they sit

Mode of address

Comments

Lord Justices of The Supreme Court

Supreme Court

My Lord/My Lady

Individually – My Lord, Lord plus surname

The Supreme Court id the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases. The Justices are independent of parliament and the court is outside the remit of the Lord Chief Justice as head of the judiciary of England and Wales.

Lord Justices of Appeal

Court of Appeal

My Lord/My Lady

Individually – My Lord, Lord plus surname

The Court of Appeal is the lower appeal court in the UK for civil cases. The Master of the Rolls is the President of the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal.

High Court Judge

High Court

My Lord/My Lady

The High Court is the highest civil court in the UK. The High Court is divided into the Chancery Division and the Queens Bench Division. The Chancery Division deals with insolvency, amongst other matters.

Circuit Judge

County Court

Your Honour

A Circuit Judge presides over cases which are, usually, more important or complex.  

Recorders

County Court

Your Honour

Recorders are barristers or solicitors of at least 10 years standing who sit part time in place of circuit judges. Recorders can sit as a judge in any county court district in England and Wales.

District Judge/Registrar

High Court and County Court

Sir/Madam

District Judges work full time and hear applications commenced in a District Registry of the High Court or in the County Court.

Registrars work full time and hear applications commenced in the Royal Courts of Justice rather than a District Registry.

Deputy District Judge

High Court and County Court

Sir/Madam

Deputy District Judges are barristers or solicitors who sit part time. Deputy District Judges exercise the full jurisdiction and powers of a District Judge except in relation to applications under the Children’s Act 1989.