Every former president is entitled to the honorific “President,” whether or not you liked him in office or in his post-presidency. Whether it’s President Carter, Bush(es) or Clinton, wherever they go, whatever they do, they will deserve the word “president” before their name. Ex-governors and ex-mayors also lay proper claim to the title (though maybe not Jerry Springer, who probably doesn’t even want it).
So, what about ex-judges? They, too, seem to maintain their titles after they leave the bench due to mandatory retirement, government positions, the financial lures of private practice or new beginnings altogether. Their secretaries answer their phones “Judge X’s office,” their mail is directed to “Judge X,” and they are introduced or glad-handed at bar functions or cocktail parties as “Judge” or “Justice” or “the Honorable.” In fact, a Fox News commentator is called “Judge,” even when commenting on sports, or maybe even the weather.
