The Royal Coat of Arms appear in every courtroom in England and Wales (with the exception of the Magistrates’ court in the City of London*), to demonstrate that justice comes from the monarch and that a law court is part of the Royal Court.
The presence of the Royal Arms explains why lawyers and court officials bow to the judge or magistrates’ bench when they enter the room. They aren’t bowing to the judge – they are bowing to the coat of arms, to show respect for the King’s justice.
Traditions of the courts judiciary.uk
According to the HM Courts & Tribunals Service article What to expect coming to a court or tribunal :-
You may see some people bow to the judge or magistrate when they walk in or out of the hearing room. You don’t have to do this, but you can if you want to.
What to expect coming to a court or tribunal HMCTS
It’s interesting that HMCTS think that “people” are bowing to the judge or magistrate when this is clearly wrong according the judiciary !
In answer the question Do You Have to Bow to a Judge ? :-
No you do not have to bow to a Judge.
Check out our articles on HHJ Farquhar, HHJ Bedford, Dodgy Judges, Can you Criticise a Judge ?, Etiquette and Manners in Court and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.
We have a number of links to Free Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on our Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.
Read our review of Gavin Howe Barrister
* Why doesn’t the Royal Coat of Arms appear in the Magistrates’ court in the City of London ? will be covered in a future article.
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