Lawyer Calls Judge ‘Honey’ in Court: Viral Video Sparks Backlash, Contempt Hearing Looms

Colorado — A livestream from the Colorado Court of Appeals on 19 June 2025 has rocketed across social media after a male appellate lawyer, representing the state, inadvertently addressed Judge Elizabeth Harris as “honey” instead of the customary “Your Honor.” The brief but biting slip halted oral argument, sent a ripple of awkward laughter through the three-judge panel, and instantly became viral fodder on X, Reddit, TikTok, and legal blogs worldwide. The moment came during a sentencing-enhancement appeal involving a violent-assault conviction. While pressing his point, the prosecutor said, “But, honey— uh, Your Honor — the statute…,” then froze. Judge Terry Fox visibly fought back a grin, Judge Harris raised an eyebrow, and the courtroom fell silent for several seconds before proceedings resumed. Within hours, clips of the exchange amassed millions of views, with the hashtag #LawyerCallsJudgeHoney trending at the top of legal Twitter. Legal analysts are divided over the gaffe’s significance. Some view it as a harmless Freudian slip; others see it as a symptom of lingering gender bias in courtroom culture. “Whether intentional or not, calling a female judge ‘honey’ undermines respect for the bench,” said Denver ethics attorney Maria Dominguez, noting that Rule 8.4(g) of Colorado’s Rules of Professional Conduct bars discriminatory or harassing language. The state’s Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel declined to comment on whether a grievance has been filed. Public-relations experts say the lawyer’s real-time reaction exacerbated the fallout. “Had he immediately apologized and clarified, the clip might have died on the vine,” explained trial-consultant Kevin Rollins. “Instead, the stunned silence let the cringe linger, making it memeable.” Comment sections overflowed with comparisons to “Matlock meets The Office,” and one TikTok remix set the exchange to a laugh-track soundtrack from “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” driving further engagement. Courtroom etiquette specialists emphasize that the incident offers a teachable moment for practitioners. “Judges expect formality: ‘Your Honor,’ ‘Judge,’ or the jurist’s surname,” said Professor Dana Liu of the University of Colorado Law School. “Mis-addressing a judge not only risks contempt; it distracts from the merits of your argument and your client’s case.” Despite the online roasting, insiders doubt the misstep will trigger formal discipline. “Is it sanctionable? Probably not,” said former appellate judge Mark Stevens. “But the reputational sting will linger every time he returns to that courtroom.” Indeed, the same panel is slated to hear three additional cases from the attorney’s office this summer. Meanwhile, social-media creators continue to mine the footage for content. One TikTok language coach dissected the intonation patterns that led “hon-” to morph into “honey,” while feminist commentators used the clip to highlight everyday micro-aggressions women face in male-dominated professions. The video’s virality underscores how livestreaming, now standard in many appellate courts, can magnify even the smallest lapse in decorum. Key takeaway for lawyers everywhere: in the age of ubiquitous cameras and instant virality, a single stray word can eclipse an entire legal argument. When addressing the bench, stick to “Your Honor” — no matter how honey-tongued you may be outside court.