Judges...what do we call them now?
Recently, I was at party with many current and former judges. I was unsure what to call each of them. Do I still call them judge if they are retired or left the bench? Do I call them by their name now that they are not on the bench? What about all the judges that recently lost their respective elections or the ones that are about to be start in January? Interestingly, I found out that incoming Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos, a former judge, requires that her staff call her judge despite her new title. I find that curious. For example, does congressman Ted Poe, a former Harris County judge, require his staff to call him judge? Maybe I am missing something.
After speaking to a few people at the party I decided that if I knew the person before they became judge I will revert to calling them by their names unless I am asked to do otherwise. Likewise, if I only know them as a sitting judge I will continue to call them judge . I hope that works for everyone.
