Crown Court Recorders

[tony605]

In the Crown Court setting what is the difference between a Recorder and a Mr Recorder? eg Recorder Smith and Mr recorder Smith.
Thanks

[THECORBYLOON]

From what I see, the Recorder is referred to as Mr Recorder Smith on the first mention and then just as the Recorder subsequently.

[New Judge]

There is little difference apart from the work they undertake.

The bulk of Crown Court work (95%) is undertaken by Circuit Judges and Recorders. They also undertake about 25% of County Court work. Both are, in layman�s terms, really �apprentice� judges because when first appointed to the Bench Barristers and Solicitors are appointed to one or other of these posts.

Circuit judges undertake mainly Crown Court (i.e. criminal) work, and sit at various courts on a �circuit� (that is, an area) hence their title.

Recorders undertake both Crown Court and County Court work, though they usually start in the Crown Court.

There are currently about 650 Circuit Judges and 1,300 Recorders in England and Wales.

The next step on the career ladder for each of them is appointment to High Court Judge (although some High Court judges are appointed directly from the advocacy without having been a Circuit Judge or Recorder). There are currently 110 of them and they hear complex civil cases and high profile criminal cases