#WednesdayWisdom: Why Do Barristers Bow in Court?

Giving us a snippet of barrister knowledge every month with our #WednesdayWisdom, here Scott Haley, Family Practice Manager at One Pump Court, clarifies the traditional ‘bow’ to the court.

Whether a court official, lawyer or member of the public, it is customary to ‘bow’ to the court when entering or leaving the room.

Even young junior clerks are required to do so – often whilst simultaneously balancing 4 lever arch files and 7 copies of authorities – which is no mean feat.

(Obviously, you’re not required to bow when the courtroom is empty, which would be plain stupid. Even the Bar, with their seemingly endless array of bizarre traditions, know when enough is enough.)

Some of you may be surprised to learn, however, that when court officials, lawyers or members of the public do bow, they are not doing this to the judge, but the royal arms that they sit in front of.

The Royal Coat of Arms came into being in 1399 under King Henry IV. They appear in every courtroom in England and Wales (with the exception of the magistrate’s court in the City of London), demonstrating that justice comes from the monarch, and that a law court is part of the Royal Court (hence its name).

Judges and magistrates are official representatives of the crown. Barristers are not bowing to the judge, they are bowing to the coat of arms, to show respect for the queen’s justice, and, indirectly, to those presiding over the case.

When bowing to the court, barristers are not required to bow like Butler Carson to Lord Crawley in Downton Abbey. A court bow resembles a dignified nod. Technically, it is called a ‘neck bow’ during which the individual makes a slight inclination at the waist and drops his or her eyes.

Another requirement is to stand up from their seat when the judge or magistrate enters the room. The words “all rise” will be declared – demonstrating another show of respect to Judges as representatives of the crown.