Yes Sir No Sir?!

Please can you tell me, do I say 'sir' or 'ma'am' at the end of everything I say?

I am not used to doing this and I don't know when I am supposed to say it, or how often!

Many thanks,
Rachel

Hi Rachel

I'm not the best person to answer that question as I don't have much experience of tribunals, but I don't think it's necessary to say it at the beginning or end of every sentence. Just now and again or whenever you ask a question. Perhaps a mod with tribunal experience will be able to answer.

Personally I would have no problem calling a judge sir, but I would find it difficult to call a female judge ma'am as I have never used that word before and have only ever heard it used on TV.

Regards

Derek

Thanks Derek, I think it's just fear of getting it wrong and I will probably end up calling her Mum!

It really doesn't come naturally in this day and age, especially if you haven't been in the services.

Best wishes,
Rachel

I bet they won't care what you call them so long as you're polite. After all, you're not a legal representative, just an ordinary member of the public.

It is one thing to be polite and well mannered but I hope the age of deference is not making a come back.

Fedup wrote:

Please can you tell me, do I say 'sir' or 'ma'am' at the end of everything I say?

I am not used to doing this and I don't know when I am supposed to say it, or how often!

Many thanks,
Rachel

When the chairman of a tribunal which was the predecessor of a tribunal judge presided over hearings, I found that there was no need to formally address the members.

Since the chairman are now judges, it would be the norm to refer to them as 'sir' or 'ma'am', but due to the informal nature of the proceedings I wouldn't think it is necessary to use this terminology. As Survivor says politeness is the essential requirement, as you are a mere appellant and not legally qualified.