How to Address an Envelope to a Judge

The rules for addressing an envelope to a judge are the same for all types of letters, including personal memos or invitations. You will want to avoid insulting the judge by the way the envelope has been addressed, especially if you are sending a business letter. There are several ways you can address a judge in written form without being disrespectful. These methods vary based upon your preferences and any additional title or titles the judge may have acquired through the years.

Instructions

1. Choose if you will use the judge's entire name or just the last name. Those using just the last name must still utilize a first initial or additional title when addressing the envelope (For example "J. Jones," "Mr. Jones," "Dr. Jones.")

2. Start addressing the envelope with the proper title. "The Honorable" is the correct title to use when writing a personal or business letter to a judge.

3. Place an additional title or honorific after "The Honorable" on the envelope (For example "The Honorable Mr.," "The Honorable Dr.")

4. Finish by writing the judge's last name (For example "The Honorable Mr. Jones," "The Honorable James Jones," "The Honorable Dr. Jones.") Write the rest of the address on the envelope as normal.

Tips & Warnings

• "The Honorable" should not be abbreviated when addressing an envelope. Write "The Hons." if addressing the envelope to two or more judges.

References

• Taft College Online Writing Lab: Forms of Address