Recorder
Historically, Recorders presided at the Courts of
Quarter Sessions. Today a Recorder is a barrister or solicitor of
at least ten years experience, who is appointed by The Queen on the
advice of the Lord Chancellor to hold part-time judicial office. He
or she has all the powers of a Circuit Judge and may sit in the
Crown Court, the County Court, or indeed may sit as a part-time
High Court Judge.
The Recorder of London is a senior Circuit Judge sitting at the Old Bailey. A senior Circuit Judge of a metropolitan area such as Liverpool, Manchester or Cardiff, may have the title of Honorary Recorder.
How to Address a Recorder
The recommended social style of address is as follows:
| Beginning of letter | Dear Mr Recorder |
| End of letter | Yours sincerely |
| Envelope | Joe Smith, Esq |
| Verbal address (on the Bench) | My Lord and/or Your Lordship |
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