Court forms of address

Court clerks and deputy sheriffs should be addressed without the use of pronouns. Instead of “madam/Mr. deputy sheriff or court clerk”, they should be addressed as “deputy sheriff/sheriff or court clerk”. This form of address creates the most equitable and inclusive environment for all staff.

This change is consistent with prior practice directions from B.C. Provincial Court, B.C. Supreme Court, and B.C. Court of Appeal to the professions and public on how individuals can advise the court of their pronouns and form of address.

Please note there may also be instances in which a court clerk or sheriff asks court participants to address them with an alternative term.