how tell ontario lawyer judge gown apart

by Lester Auer PhD 3 min read

Do lawyers have to wear gowns in court?

In circumstances where you are in the Superior Court of Justice a lawyer will be dressed in a gown. Our criminal courts certainly do not require that you attend court in the same attire as lawyers, however there is an expectation that you dress appropriately.

What do judges look like in Ontario?

f you’re out judge-spotting at the corner of Queen and University, it helps to remember their distinctive features. In Ontario, the colour of sash that judges wear with their black robes denotes the type of court over which they preside: green for justices of the peace,...

What do lawyers wear to court in Canada?

Lawyers appearing before the Federal Court or the Tax Court of Canada are required to wear a gown. Judges dress in barrister's robes similar to the lawyers'. Judges of some courts adorn their robes with coloured sashes. For example, Federal Court Judges' robes are adorned with a gold sash, and Tax Court of Canada Judges' robes with a purple sash.

What do judges wear in court?

Judges dress in barrister's robes similar to the lawyers'. Judges of some courts adorn their robes with coloured sashes. For example, Federal Court Judges' robes are adorned with a gold sash, and Tax Court of Canada Judges' robes with a purple sash.

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Do Canadian lawyers wear robes in court?

Unlike American lawyers, Canadian lawyers wear robes when they appear in the superior courts. Unlike British lawyers, they do not wear those little gray wigs you see in BBC legal dramas. Legal custom shifted away from the wearing of wigs in most of Canada's courts in the mid-19th century.

Do Ontario lawyers wear robes?

Robes are typically only required when lawyers appear in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, or higher appellate courts. Confusion can occur however because even within the Superior Court of Justice, robes are not always required.

What do judges wear in Ontario?

All judges in Ontario courts wear red sashes over their robes. Judges of the Ontario Superior Court wear the sash over their right shoulder, with the ends attached on the left side, while judges of the Ontario Court of Justice wear their sash over their left shoulder with the ends attached on the right side.

What do judges in Canadian courts wear?

scarlet robesJudges of the Supreme Court of Canada wear scarlet robes with white fur trim on ceremonial occasions together with black tricorne hats; however, they wear black gowns with white neck band tabs when hearing cases.

What does a lawyer wear in court?

Black Robes are worn by both advocates and attorneys in the High Court. In the Magistrates' Court, only attorneys are required to wear the robes when appearing. The dress code, like the legal system, finds its origin in both the English and Dutch traditions.

Do Canadian judges still wear wigs?

In Canada, court attire is very similar to what is worn in England, except that wigs are not worn. Specifically, bar jackets are worn under gowns, and Queen's Counsel and judges have more elaborate cuffs than other lawyers.

How do lawyers dress in Canada?

In Canada, a robed lawyer wears black or grey pants or skirt, a white wingtip collared plain-front shirt, black waistcoat/vest, long black robe, and white collar tabs. Most lawyers wear robes, waistcoats, and tabs made by Harcourts.

How do you address a judge in Ontario?

You must stand whenever you speak to the judge or the judge speaks to you. If you are addressing a judge or associate judge of the Superior Court of Justice, you should call him or her “Your Honour” or “Justice/Associate Justice (last name)”. Deputy judges should be called “Your Honour”.

Why do Canadian judges wear robes?

Historians seem to agree that the practice of English judges wearing robes dates back seven centuries. In the 1300s robes were worn by scholars at universities and aristocrats attending the royal court. When lawyers were granted the right to appear in law courts they wore robes or gowns as a symbol of that privilege.

Why do judges and lawyers wear robes?

Courtrooms are said to be about truth and justice where the law is of primary importance. The Court is concerned that the appearance of counsel may unduly influence juries. Flashy clothes may distract from the Court's truth-seeking role. Robes allow for the law and the facts to be the main focus.

Why do some judges wear red robes?

The bright scarlet robes were made specifically for her, thus starting out their life at a truly significant moment for gender equality in the legal world. The robes are the traditional dress of High Court judges presiding over criminal cases and earn those who wear them the nickname of 'red judges'.

Why do judges wear black robes?

But the judges of England and its many colonies often wore very colorful robes and even powdered wigs when they sat to hear cases. Some historians think that the move toward wearing only black was strengthened in 1694 when the judges of England and its American colonies donned black to mourn the death of Queen Mary II.

Judicial Executive of The Superior Court of Justice

Judges of The Superior Court of Justice

  • Judgesof the Superior Court of Justice preside over a variety of matters including criminal prosecutions of indictable offences, summary conviction appeals from the Ontario Court of Justice, bail reviews, civil lawsuits, and family law disputes.
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Associate Judges

  • Associate Judges are provincially appointed judicial officers who have the authority to hear and determine certain matters in civil cases, including motions, pre-trials and case conferences. Associate judges may also adjudicate construction lien trials, as well as mortgage and general references, provide dispute resolution services, and serve as registrars in Bankruptcy under the …
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Small Claims Court Administrative Judge

  • The Courts of Justice Act provides that a Small Claims Court proceeding may be determined by the Small Claims Court Administrative Judgeappointed under section 87.2 of the Act or a deputy judge. Under the Courts of Justice Act, any complaint about the conduct of the Small Claims Court Administrative Judge should be submitted in writing to the Chief Justice of the Superior Court o…
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Deputy Judges of The Small Claims Court

  • Deputy judges are senior lawyers appointed by the Regional Senior Judge, with the approval of the Attorney General, to preside over proceedings in the Small Claims Court. Interested lawyers with a minimum of 10 years’ experience may write to the Regional Senior Judge of the region in which they wish to preside. To prevent court scheduling conflicts...
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What Should I Wear to Court?

  • Lawyers will attend court in a suit or some other professional business attire. In circumstances where you are in the Superior Court of Justice a lawyer will be dressed in a gown. Our criminal courts certainly do not require that you attend court in the same attire as lawyers, however there is an expectation that you dress appropriately. This means...
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Arriving at Court

  • Whether you are represented by a lawyer or you are representing yourself, it is important that you arrive at court on time. You would be wise to arrive 15 minutes in advance of when court is scheduled to start. Anyone who is not a lawyer, police officer or court administrative staff is required to go through security prior to entering the court. Arriving early for court may also give y…
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Waiting to Be called

  • Depending on whether you have hired a lawyer and how busy the court is that particular day, you may have to wait a while for your matter to be called or you may only be in court a few minutes. If you have not hired a lawyer, you can expect to be at court for a while. Anyone with a lawyer, agent or who requires the services of a translator will be called before all other individuals. While you a…
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Addressing The Court

  • In circumstances where you have hired a lawyer or there is a duty counsel lawyer in the courtroom, the lawyer will be able to do most of the speaking on your behalf. However, there may be circumstances where you are required to address the court yourself, and therefore it is important that you understand how to appropriately speak to the court. The first thing you shoul…
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Contact Me

  • Criminal charges should be taken very seriously as the penalties can be severe and impact on your liberty. If you have been charged with a criminal offence, contact me immediatelyto arrange a free consultation. Want to know what you can expect on the first court date? Find out now. For more information on courtroom etiquette in the Superior Court of Justice click here.
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