Judges to lose their 'lordships'

Judges will no longer be referred to as ’My Lord’ or ’Your Lordship’ in courtrooms under new rules beginning next week.

Minister for Justice Michael McDowell today signed into law new rules changing the way of addressing senior members of the judiciary.

Judges will now be referred to as simply ’Judge’ except for the Chief Justice and the President of the High Court, who will be referred to by their specific titles.

Mr McDowell said today that solicitors, barristers, witnesses and members of the public referring to judges as ’lords’ was old fashioned and obsolete in a republican democracy.

“We’re bringing judges into the 21st century, and perhaps the 20th century.

“I don’t think Irish people in a republican state really go for titles such as ’Lord’ or ’My Lord’ or ’Your Lordship,'" he added.

The changes were recommended by the Superior Courts Rules Committee, which is chaired by the Chief Justice John L Murray, and will apply from April 25.