Navigating Titles in Civil Court Summons: Mr. vs. Dr.

When preparing a civil court summons, you may encounter a part that refers to you as Mr. Last Name instead of your preferred title, such as Dr. First Name. This leads to a frequently asked question: Should you change the title to reflect your medical credentials, or should you stick to the more common title of Mr.? The answer lies in understanding the context of the court process and the importance of upholding the integrity of the judicial system.

Understanding the Context of Civil Court Summons

In a civil court summons, your status is that of a juror, not a legal or medical professional. Your primary role is to serve as one of ten to twelve average citizens to evaluate the guilt or innocence of an individual based on the evidence provided in court. Therefore, the title Mr., Mrs., or Ms. is appropriate for this role, as it implies your role as a plain citizen without any legal or professional credentials.

The Gravity of Your Role as a Juror

Your ego should be set aside during the jury deliberation process. While your medical credentials are significant in your professional life, they are not necessary when serving as a juror. Insisting on being called Dr. might paint you as an elitist, which can negatively impact how others perceive your fairness and impartiality. The integrity of the judicial process relies on jurors who can set aside personal biases and focus on the evidence presented during the trial.

Practical Advice for Title Usage

Unless your medical credentials are relevant to the trial and the deliberations, it is generally recommended to use your first name. This approach ensures that the focus remains on the evidence and the facts of the case, rather than on personal titles or status.

Examples from Real Court Situations

Real-life examples can help clarify the appropriate use of titles in civil court summons:

Example 1: Witness addressing: If you are a witness and your title is relevant, it might be appropriate to mention it. For example, a witness can be introduced as Doctor Jane Smith. But in the civil court summons, the title can be omitted unless it is pertinent to the case. Example 2: Juror addressing: During the jury deliberation, it is best to use your first name to show that you are a fellow juror and not a judge or medical professional. This level of professionalism avoids any potential bias or misunderstanding. Example 3: Court Judge addressing: While judges bear the title District Judge or similar, they are not expected to insist on it during the jury process. Jurors are encouraged to use their first names to maintain a collegial and impartial atmosphere.

What Determines the Use of Titles?

The use of titles in civil court summons is generally determined by relevance and context:

If your professional credentials are not relevant to the case, using Mr., Mrs., or Ms. is appropriate. If your credentials are relevant to the case, your full name (e.g., Dr. John Doe) may be used, but it should not distract from the case at hand.

Conclusion

While it is understandable to be proud of your medical credentials, the most appropriate title in a civil court summons is Mr., Mrs., or Ms.. This title reflects the impartial and unassuming nature of a juror, ensuring that the focus remains on the evidence and the facts of the case. By adhering to this standard, you contribute to the integrity and fairness of the judicial process.