When it is rude to address someone as "Sir"

Most everybody knows that our judicial system is based on tradition, history, and decorum that requires a certain amount of deference and respect be afforded judges and especially justices of the Supreme Court.

Today I had the opportunity to sit in on oral arguments for the 3rd Circuit where retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was sitting by designation. We heard arguments for a class action case and a habeus case.

http://blog.kir.com/archives/Sandra%20Day%20O'Connor.jpg

For the most part, the arguments were well done, but one of the lawyers seemed to have trouble finding her footing, and she made it worse by constantly refering to Chief Judge Scirica as "Sir" and Justice O'Connor as "Judge." Let me just say: WOW. This is one case where "Sir" and "Judge" are probably considered not respectful enough - a legal faux pax if you will.

It was great to see Justice O'Connor and the 3rd Circuit in action.