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There are various levels of judiciary in England and Wales — different types of courts have different styles of judges. They also form a strict hierarchy of importance, in line with the order of the courts in which they sit, so that judges of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales are generally given more weight than district judges sitting in County Courts and Magistrates. At 31 March 2006 there were 1,825 judges in post in England and Wales, most of whom were Circuit Judges (626) or District Judges (572).^[1]

By statute, judges are guaranteed continuing judicial independence.^[2]

The following is a list of the various types of judges who sit in the Courts of England and Wales:^[3]

Lord Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor[link]

Since 3 April 2006 the Lord Chief Justice has been the overall head of the judiciary. Previously he was second to the Lord Chancellor, but that office lost its judicial functions under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005.[1] The Lord Chief Justice is also the head of the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal. He was also President of the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court, but on becoming head of the judiciary that responsibility was transferred to a new office.

Although the Lord Chancellor is no longer a judge, he still exercises disciplinary authority over the judges, jointly with the Lord Chief Justice. He also has a role in appointing judges.

In law reports, the Lord Chief Justice is referred to as (for example) "Smith LCJ" or "Lord Smith CJ", and the Lord Chancellor as "Smith C".

In court, the Lord Chief Justice wears a black damask gown with gold lace along with a short wig during criminal cases and the black civil gown with gold tabs during civil cases. Ceremonially, the Lord Chief Justice wears the red robe with white trim along with a gold chain and full wig.

The Lord Chancellor, no longer a judge, simply wears the black damask gown with gold lace and full wig during ceremonial occasions.

Heads of Division[link]

There are four Heads of Divisions — the Master of the Rolls, the President of the Queen's Bench Division, the President of the Family Division and the Chancellor of the High Court.

The Master of the Rolls is head of the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal. The other Heads are in charge of the three divisions of the High Court.

The Chancellor of the High Court is President of the Chancery Division of the High Court. Until 2006 this role was nominally held by the Lord Chancellor, but was in practice delegated to the Vice-Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor was renamed Chancellor of the High Court when the Lord Chancellor's judicial role was abolished.

The Heads of Division are referred to in law reports as "Smith MR", "Smith P", "Smith P", and "Smith C" respectively. Vice-Chancellors from pre-2006 Chancery cases are referred to as "Smith VC".

In court the Heads of Division wear a black damask gown with gold lace along with a short wig during criminal cases and the black civil gown with gold tabs during civil cases. Ceremonially, the Heads of Division wear red gowns with white trim along with full wigs except for the Master of the Rolls who wears the black damask gown with gold lace and full wig.

Court of Appeal[link]

Judges of the Court of Appeal are known as Lords Justices, and they too are Privy Counsellors. Before swearing in they may be addressed as The Honourable Lord Justice Smith, and after swearing in as the Right Honourable Lord Justice Smith. Female Lord Justices are only known as Lady Justices informally. Addressed as "My Lord" or "My Lady". In law reports, referred to as "Smith LJ", and, for more than one judge, "Smith and Jones LJJ".

Formerly, Lords Justices of Appeal could only be drawn from barristers of at least 10 years' standing.^[4] In practice, much greater experience was necessary and, in 2004, calls for increased diversity among the judiciary were recognised and the qualification period was changed^[5][6] so that, as of 21 July 2008, a potential Lord Justice of Appeal must satisfy the judicial-appointment eligibility condition on a 7-year basis.^[7]

See also the list of Lords Justice of Appeal.

The Lord Justices wear black silk gowns and court coats (or bar jackets) and short wigs during criminal cases and the black civil robe with gold tabs for civil cases. For ceremonial occasions, they wear the full wig and black damask gown with gold lace.

High Court[link]

High Court judges are not normally Privy Counsellors. High Court judges are therefore referred to as the (Right) Honourable Mr/Mrs Justice Smith. Addressed as "My Lord" or "My Lady". In law reports, referred to as "Smith J", and, for more than one judge, "Smith and Jones JJ".

High Court justices normally wear a short wig along with red and black gowns for criminal cases, and a civil robe with red tabs for civil cases. The exception to this is justices in the family division who wear formal suits. Ceremonially, all High Court justices wear the red gown with white trim along with a full wig.

Circuit Judges[link]

Unlike the more senior judges, Circuit Judges are referred to as His/Her Honour Judge {surname} e.g. His/Her Honour Judge Smith. If a circuit judge is appointed who has the same surname as another serving circuit judge, he (she) will be referred to as His (Her) Honour Judge {first name} {surname}. e.g. His Honour Judge John Smith. Circuit judges are addressed as "Your Honour", unless sitting in the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey), in which case addressed as "My Lord (Lady)." Senior circuit judges who sit as the honorary recorder of a borough or city are also entitled to be addressed in court as "my lord/lady." In law reports, circuit judges are referred to as "HHJ Smith," or simply, "Judge Smith."

Formerly, Circuit Judges could only be drawn from barristers of at least 10 years' standing.^[8] However, in 2004, calls for increased diversity among the judiciary were recognised and the qualification period was changed^[5][6] so that, as of 21 July 2008, a potential Circuit Judge must satisfy the judicial-appointment eligibility condition on a 7-year basis.^[7]

For criminal cases, circuit judges wear a violet and black gown with a red sash and short wig and for civil cases exchange the red sash for a lilac one. Circuit judges sitting in civil proceedings no longer wear wigs, wing collars, or bands. Ceremonially, they wear black robes with a purple trim and a full wig.

Recorders[link]

A Recorder is a part-time circuit judge, usually a practising barrister or solicitor. Recorders are addressed in court in the same way as circuit judges (as 'Your Honour'). There is no formal abbreviation for the position and recorders are referred to as 'Mr/Mrs Recorder Smith' (as opposed to circuit judges, who can be referred to as 'HHJ Smith' in judgments, law reports or other legal documents).

Formerly, Recorders could only be drawn from barristers of at least 10 years' standing.^[9] However, in 2004, calls for increased diversity among the judiciary were recognised and the qualification period was changed^[5][6] so that, as of 21 July 2008, a potential Circuit Judge must satisfy the judicial-appointment eligibility condition on a 7-year basis.^[7]

The senior circuit judge in a metropolitan area will often be given the honorary title of the Recorder of the city – e.g. the Recorder of Manchester. Despite still being circuit judges, these recorders are addressed in court as 'Your Lordship/Ladyship' as if they were High Court judges.

Masters and Registrars[link]

A Master is a level of judge in the High Court lower than that of a High Court judge. They are mainly responsible for case management pre-trial, and cases are then heard at trial by a full High Court judge. Masters (who may be male or female) are addressed simply as Master. Each of the divisions has a senior Master who ranks above the other Masters, and each division has a different title. They are:

• Queen's Bench Division - Senior Master
• Chancery Division - Chief Chancery Master
• Costs Office - Senior Costs Judge
• Bankruptcy Court - Chief Bankruptcy Registrar
• Admiralty Court - Admiralty Registrar

The Senior Master of the Queen's Bench Division also holds the ancient judicial post of King's Remembrancer (Queen's Remembrancer when the monarch is female), and is also the Registrar of Election petitions and Foreign judgments as well as being the designated authority for the Hague Service Convention and Hague Evidence Convention and receiving agency under the EU Service Regulation - Council Regulation (EC) No. 1348/2000 and EU Taking of Evidence Regulation - Council Regulation (EC) No. 1206/2001. The Senior Master is assisted in this role as Central Authority by the Foreign Process Section of the Queen's Bench Action Department at the Royal Courts of Justice.

In spite of their title the Bankruptcy Registrars of the High Court sit in Bankruptcy and in the Companies Court. They hear and dispose of almost all the insolvency and companies cases heard in the High Court, including trials (i.e. cases arising under the Insolvency Act 1986, the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, the Companies Acts and related legislation).

Masters and Registrars are not referred to by an abbreviation in the law reports, and appear as "Master Smith" or "Mr/Mrs Registrar Smith".

Formerly, Masters and Registrars could only be drawn from barristers and solicitors of at least 7 years' standing. However, in 2004, calls for increased diversity among the judiciary were recognised and the qualification period was changed^[5][6] so that, as of 21 July 2008, a potential Master or Registrar must satisfy the judicial-appointment eligibility condition on a 5-year basis.^[7]

District Judges[link]

"District Judge" is the title given to two different categories of judges. One group of District Judges sit in the County Court, having previously been known as County Court Registrars until the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990. The other group sit in the Magistrates' Courts and were formerly known as Stipendiary Magistrates until the Access to Justice Act 1999. Members of this latter group are more formally known as "District Judge (Magistrates' Courts)" (see the Courts Act 2003). Judges in both groups are addressed as "Sir" or "Madam". In law reports, referred to as "DJ Smith".

Formerly, District Judges could only be drawn from barristers and solicitors of at least 7 years' standing. However, in 2004, calls for increased diversity among the judiciary were recognised and the qualification period was changed^[5][6] so that, as of 21 July 2008, a potential District Judge must satisfy the judicial-appointment eligibility condition on a 5-year basis.^[7] From November 2010 other types of lawyer, such as Legal Executives (ILEX Fellows), also became eligible to be District Judges.

The senior District Judge is also known as the Chief Magistrate.^[10]

Deputy District Judges[link]

A practising solicitor or barrister who sits part-time as a District Judge (who may be taking his first steps on the route to becoming a full-time District Judge). Retired District Judges may occasionally sit as Deputies. Addressed as "Sir" or "Madam". In law reports, referred to as "DDJ Smith".

Formerly, Deputy District Judges could only be drawn from barristers and solicitors of at least 7 years' standing. However, in 2004, calls for increased diversity among the judiciary were recognised and the qualification period was changed^[5][6] so that, as of 21 July 2008, a potential Deputy District Judge must satisfy the judicial-appointment eligibility condition on a 5-year basis^[7] and so that other types of lawyer, such as Legal Executives(ILEX Fellows), would also be eligible.

Magistrates[link]

Laymen drawn from the community who generally sit in threes in order to give judgment in Magistrates' Courts and Youth Courts. Addressed as "Sir" or "Madam" but often addressed as 'Your Worships' by the police and some lawyers. In law reports, referred to as "John Smith JP" (for Justice of the Peace).

Judicial salaries[link]

There are nine pay points for judges in England and Wales. The following is a simplified list of the salaries with effect from 1 April 2010, showing only the most widely held grades and some of the best known specific appointments. A complete list of all the posts at each pay point can be found on the website of the Ministry of Justice.^[11]

• Group 1: Lord Chief Justice, £239,845
• Group 1.1: Master of the Rolls and President of the Supreme Court, £214,165
• Group 2: Deputy President of the Supreme Court, Justices of the Supreme Court, and heads of the High Court Divisions, £206,857
• Group 3: Lord Justices of Appeal and certain others, £196,707
• Group 4: High Court Judges and certain others, £172,753
• Group 5: Numerous specialist appointments, including Senior Circuit Judges, £138,548
• Group 6.1: Circuit Judges and several other appointments, £128,296
• Group 6.2: Numerous specialist appointments, £120,785
• Group 7: District Judges, Chairmen of Employment Tribunals, and several other appointments, £102,921

Judges also have a pension scheme, which is considered to be one of the most generous in the British public sector.^[12]

See also[link]

• Courts of England and Wales
• Judicial titles in England and Wales
• Judiciary of the United Kingdom
• Judiciary of Hong Kong

References[link]

1. ^ Alex, Allan (October 2006). "Department for Constitutional Affairs". Evidence to the Senior Salaries Review Body. HMSO. pp. 27–30. http://www.dca.gov.uk/judicial/judgepay06.pdf. Retrieved 2007-12-15 
2. ^ Constitutional Reform Act 2005, s.3
3. ^ "Forms of address for the Judiciary". Judiciary of England and Wales. HMSO. 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. http://web.archive.org/web/20070927120458/http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/about_judiciary/forms_of_address/index.htm. Retrieved 2007-12-15. 
4. ^ Supreme Court Act 1981, s.10(3)(b)
5. ^ ^{a b c d e f} "Increasing Diversity in the Judiciary". Department for Constitutional Affairs. October 2004. http://www.dca.gov.uk/consult/judiciary/diversitycp25-04.htm. Retrieved 2008-03-05. "CP 25/04" 
6. ^ ^{a b c d e f} "Explanatory Notes to Tribunals, Courts And Enforcement Act 2007". Office of Public Service Information. 2007. http://www.england-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2007/en/07en15-d.htm. Retrieved 2008-03-05. "paras.281-316" 
7. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, s.50/ Sch.10, Pt.1.13
8. ^ Courts Act 1971, s.16(3)(a)
9. ^ Courts Act 1971, s.21(2)
10. ^ "Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) Appointment". Ministry of Justice. 2010-11-08. http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/media/media-releases/2010/sen-dj-chief-mags-appt. Retrieved 2012-03-21. 
11. ^ "Judicial salaries from 1 April 2010". Ministry of Justice. 2010-03-10. http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/docs/judicial-salaries-2010.pdf. Retrieved 2010-05-16. 
12. ^ Alex, Allan (October 2006). "Department for Constitutional Affairs". Evidence to the Senior Salaries Review Body. HMSO. pp. 5. http://www.dca.gov.uk/judicial/judgepay06.pdf. Retrieved 2007-12-15 

External links[link]

• Judiciary of England and Wales government website
• Department for Constitutional Affairs list of judges

The Hon Mr Justice Kemal Bokhary (包致金)
Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal
In office 1997–2011
Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court
In office 1993–1997
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court
In office 1989–1993
Appointed by	Sir David Wilson
Justice of the Peace
In office 1984–1989
Personal details
Born	1947  Hong Kong
Nationality	Hong Kong resident
Spouse(s)	Verina Bokhary
Relations	Amina Mariam Bokhary (niece)
Children	(3 daughters)

Syed Kemal Shah Bokhary (Urdu: سید كمال شاه بخاري, Chinese: 包致金; Cantonese Yale: Bāau Jigām; born 1947) is a judge in Hong Kong. As of 2010^[update], he serves as one of the three Permanent Judges of Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal.^[1]

Early life and family[link]

Bokhary's father is Daoud Bokhary, a native of the North-West Frontier Province in Pakistan who came to Hong Kong with the British Indian Army after the Japanese occupation.^[2] Bokhary himself was born in Hong Kong in 1947. He received his early education in the King George V School, Hong Kong and his legal education in London.^[3] Bokhary is married to High Court judge Verina Saeeda Bokhary (包鍾倩薇), with whom he has three daughters.^[4][5]

Career[link]

Bokhary was called to the English Bar in 1970 and to the Hong Kong Bar the following year.^[3] He went on to establish a successful legal practice in Hong Kong.^{[citation needed]} In 1983, he was appointed Queen's Counsel.^[4] The following year, he also became a Justice of the Peace.^{[citation needed]} In 1989, he was appointed a Judge of the High Court. He came to wide public attention in early 1993 for presiding over an inquest into the New Year's Eve stampede at Lan Kwai Fong, in which 21 people were killed. He was promoted to the Court of Appeal later that year.^[5][4] In 1997, upon the handover of Hong Kong from Britain to the People's Republic of China, Bokhary was appointed a Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong. He is known for his sense of humour and his talkativeness in court.^[3]

In 2001, Bokhary was elected a bencher of London's Middle Temple.^[5]

Out of the permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal, Bokhary holds the record for the number of dissenting opinions he has written. He is also described as the "most hard-working" judge; during his thirteen years of tenure, he has heard 95% (299) of the 313 cases which came before the Court of Final Appeal, a higher proportion than his fellow judges.^[6] Bokhary is considered the most liberal of all of the judges on the Court of Appeal, and legal scholars see his frequent dissents as "intellectually superior" to opinions written by the other judges. He has thus become known as the "conscience of the court", but as he nears the end of his career, observers see no clear successor who will play the same role in the Court of Appeals. Bokhary will reach retirement age in 2012.^[7]

Quotes[link]

• "Humanity is the application." (Lau Kong Yung v. Director of Immigration)
• "To remit the maintenance of constitutional right to the region of judicial discretion is to shift the foundations of freedom from the rock to the sand." (Prem Singh v Director of Immigration)
• 'Human rights are aptly named, being basic to and inherent in humankind. ..."have always existed with the human being ... independently of, and before, the State."' (Secretary for Justice v. Yau Yuk Lung Zigo, citing Ethiopia v South Africa; Liberia v South Africa)^[8]
• "Of the many and varied purposes for which law is made, none is more important than that of declaring, protecting and realising the full potential of human rights." (Secretary for Justice v. Yau Yuk Lung Zigo)^[8]
• "And then I conclude by paying another tribute. It is to the dignity in adversity displayed by all the abode-seekers, including and especially the woman who made every effort to remain composed before ultimately breaking down in tears at the final hearing of this long and sad case. My saying that may only be cold comfort to them. But I consider it right to say it nevertheless." (Ng Siu Tung FACV1/2001 at para 55)
• "What is the true scope of the protection conferred by the presumption of innocence? [...] Just because the presumption of innocence is a key component of our criminal justice system, it does not follow that the protection which it confers is strictly confined to criminal proceedings. Such protection obviously extends at least to include civil matters connected with such proceedings. [...] The law moves forward, especially to provide better protection and enforcement of fundamental rights and freedoms. [...] Indifference to a fundamental right or freedom is more insidious – and in that sense can be even more dangerous – than any open derogation from that right or freedom. [...] Threats to fundamental rights and freedoms can come in unpredictable shapes and sizes. A constitution’s protection potential must not be cramped. [...] Article 39 of the Basic Law provides that the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong shall remain in force and be implemented through the laws of Hong Kong." (Yeung Chung Ming v Commissioner of Police FACV 22/2007 paras. 33, 37, 39, 44, 45, 63)
• "This Court is here to do justice." (Tang Siu Man v HKSAR FACV 1/1997 para 129)

References[link]

Boys Noize
Boys Noize
Background information
Birth name	Alexander Ridha
Origin	Hamburg, Germany
Genres	Electro House Techno
Years active	2004–present
Labels	Boysnoize Records
Website	www.boysnoize.com

Boys Noize is the stage name of Alexander Ridha, a German electronic music producer and DJ.^[1] It is similar to the name of Ridha's label, Boysnoize Records, which he established in 2005.^[1] Ridha has remixed a number of other artists work, including Snoop Dogg and Depeche Mode.^[2]

Biography[link]

Ridha (born in 1982, Hamburg) started producing and DJing at early age, period in which he supported Felix Da Housecat and DJ Hell. Today, Ridha himself is known as one of the most valuable electronic artists, awarded with the Independent Music Award in 2010 as well as 3 years in a row Best Electronic Artist on Beatport. His music is known to merge various styles and having a unique and innovative sound, with influences of hip-hop and disco roots as well as heavy noise and electro sounds. His DJ sets are equally praised and have gained worldwide recognition for the mixing and visuals.

Ridha released his early work on labels such as International Deejay Gigolos Records, Kitsuné Music and Turbo Recordings. In order to retain full artistic freedom however, he established his imprint Boysnoize Records in 2005. Both of his LPs "OI OI OI" and its successor "POWER" were recorded under this label, as well as the singles "Don't Believe The Hype", "&Down" and "Jeffer" as well as "Transmition"

He remixed David Lynch, N.E.R.D, Depeche Mode, Snoop Dogg and The Chemical Brothers amongst many other well-known artists and became a producer of note, having worked with Kelis, UK rapper Kano,The Black Eyed Peas, and the South Korean band Big Bang. Chilly Gonzales' "Ivory Tower" is his first fully produced and co-written album, released in August 2010. He has further collaborated with his friend and fellow Erol Alkan: The first record "Death Suite" / "Waves" was released on Ridhas imprint BNR, followed by "Lemonade" / "Avalanche", which came out on Erol's label Phantasy Sound. An "Avalanche" re-release, a new version featuring Brit-God Jarvis Cocker, is due for early 2011. Ridha is currently working on his forthcoming Spank Rock album, and is also collaborating with the New York band Scissor Sisters. His recent release of original Boys Noize tracks in September 2010 celebrated the 50th release on Boysnoize Records as well as the launch of the first sublabel BNR TRAX, which presented its first release in October 2010.^[3]

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

Compilations[link]

EP's[link]

Collaborations[link]

^[4]

Collaboration Singles[link]

Mix albums[link]

• Bugged Out! Presents Suck My Deck (Mixed by Boys Noize) (2008)
• I ♥ Techno 2008 (Mixed by Boys Noize) (2008)
• Radio Soulwax Mix (2009)
• Mixmag presents Electro Techno Thunder! (2009)
• South West Four Clapham Festival Preview (2010)

Remixes[link]

• Modeselektor – "Monkey Flip (feat. Nazizi & Abbas)" (Monkeytown Records 2011)
• Daft Punk – "End of Line" (Walt Disney Records 2011)
• David Lynch – "Good Day Today" (Sunday Best 2011)
• N.E.R.D. – "Hot-n-Fun" (Interscope 2010)
• The Chemical Brothers – "Swoon" (EMI 2010)
• Charlotte Gainsbourg – "Trick Pony" (Because, 2010)
• Scissor Sisters – "Invisible Light" (Polydor 2010)
• Editors – "You Don't Know Love" (Pias 2010)
• Sebastian Tellier – "L'amour Et La Violence" (Record Makers 2009)
• CJ Roland – "Horsepower" (R&S Records 2009)
• The Black Eyed Peas – "Let The Beat Rock" (Interscope 2009)
• Röyksopp – "Happy Up Here" (Wall Of Sound 2009)
• Depeche Mode – "Wrong" (D.I.M. vs. Boys Noize Remix) (EMI/Mute Rec. 2009)
• Cut Copy – "Lights & Music" (Modular Records 2008)
• Apparat – "Arcadia" (Shitkatapult 2008)
• Gonzalez – "Working Together" (Mercury Rec. 2008)
• Farley Jackmaster Funk – "Love Can't Turn Around" (Backyard Rec. 2008)
• Maurice – "This Is Acid" (TRAX Records 2008)
• Late Of The Pier – "Focker" (EMI/Parlaphone 2008)
• Feist – "My Moon My Man" (Universal Music 2007)
• Marilyn Manson – "Putting Holes in Happiness" (Interscope 2007)
• Justice – "Phantom Pt. 2" (Ed Banger FR 2007)
• Snoop Dogg – "Sexual Eruption" (Interscope/Geffen US 2007)
• Bloc Party – "Banquet" (Kitsuné 2006/7)
• Para One – "Du-Dundun" (Institubes 2006)
• Tiga – "Move My Body" (Pias 2006)
• Depeche Mode – "Personal Jesus" (Mute Rec. GB 2006)
• Kaiser Chiefs – "Every Day I Love You Less and Less" (Polydor, 2004)
• Monster Magnet – "Space Lord" (White Label 2004)

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Boys Noize

• Official website
• Boys Noize on Myspace
• Boys Noize on Twitter

Chuck Norris
Norris signing a T-shirt for a Marine on a stop on his tour of Al Anbar Governorate (Iraq) and Kuwait
Born	Carlos Ray Norris (1940-03-10) March 10, 1940 (age 72)[1] Ryan, Oklahoma, United States
Occupation	Actor, martial artist
Years active	1968–present
Spouse	Dianne Holechek (1958–88) Gena O'Kelley (1998–present)
Website
www.chucknorris.com

Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris (born March 10, 1940)^[1] is an American martial artist and actor. After serving in the United States Air Force, he began his rise to fame as a martial artist and has since founded his own school, Chun Kuk Do. As a result of his "tough guy" image, an Internet phenomenon began in 2005 known as Chuck Norris facts, ascribing various implausible or even impossible feats to Norris.

Norris appeared in a number of action films, such as Way of the Dragon in which he starred alongside Bruce Lee, and was The Cannon Group's leading star in the 1980s.^[2][3] He next played the starring role in the television series Walker, Texas Ranger from 1993 to 2001.

Norris is a devout Christian and politically conservative. He has written several books on Christianity and donated to a number of Republican candidates and causes. In 2007 and 2008, he campaigned for former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who was running for the Republican nomination for President in 2008. In the 2012 election he endorsed former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. ^[4] Norris also writes a column for the conservative website WorldNetDaily.^[5]

Early life[link]

Norris was born in Ryan, Oklahoma. He is the son of Wilma (née Scarberry) and Ray Norris, who was a mechanic, bus driver, and truck driver.^[6] Norris has said that he has Irish and Cherokee Native American ancestry.^[2][7] Norris was named after Carlos Berry, his father's minister.^[8] He has two younger brothers, Wieland (deceased) and Aaron (a Hollywood producer). When Norris was sixteen, his parents divorced,^[9] and he later relocated to Prairie Village, Kansas, and then to Torrance, California, with his mother and brothers.^[2]

Norris receiving the Veteran of the Year award by the U.S. Air Force in 2001

Norris has described his childhood as downbeat. He was nonathletic, shy, and scholastically mediocre.^[10] Other children taunted him about his mixed ethnicity, and Norris daydreamed about beating up his tormentors. Norris mentioned in his autobiography that his father had a very serious problem with drinking and "wasn't there" a lot for him growing up. Norris admitted that he loved his father but did not like him. However, he professed that he only felt pity for the man because "that was just how he was, and he missed so much."^{[citation needed]}

He joined the United States Air Force as an Air Policeman (AP) in 1958 and was sent to Osan Air Base, South Korea. It was there that Norris acquired the nickname Chuck and began his training in Tang Soo Do (tangsudo), an interest that led to black belts in that art and the founding of the Chun Kuk Do ("Universal Way") form.^[11] He created the education associations United Fighting Arts Federation and "KickStart" (formerly "Kick Drugs Out of America"), a middle school and high school–based program intended to give at-risk children a focus point in life through the martial arts. When he returned to the United States, he continued to act as an AP at March Air Force Base, California. Norris was discharged in August 1962. He worked for the Northrop Corporation and opened a chain of karate schools including a storefront school in his then-hometown of Torrance on Hawthorne Boulevard. Norris' official website lists celebrity clients at the schools; among them Steve McQueen, Chad McQueen, Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond.^[12]

Martial arts career[link]

Norris in 1976

Norris was defeated in his first two tournaments, dropping decisions to Joe Lewis and Allen Steen and three matches at the International Karate Championships to Tony Tulleners. By 1967 Norris had improved enough that he scored victories over the likes of Lewis, Skipper Mullins, Arnold Urquidez, Victor Moore, Ron Marchini, and Steve Sanders. In early 1968, Norris suffered the tenth and last loss of his career, losing an upset decision to Louis Delgado. On November 24, 1968, he avenged his defeat to Delgado and by doing so won the Professional Middleweight Karate champion title, which he held for six consecutive years.^[9] In 1969, he won Karate's triple crown for the most tournament wins of the year, and the Fighter of the Year award by Black Belt Magazine. Chuck Norris retired with a karate record of 183–10–2^{[citation needed]}.

It is occasionally cited that Norris made history in 1997 when he was the first Westerner in the documented history of Tae Kwon Do to be given the rank of 8th Degree Black Belt Grand Master.^[13] However, Norris appears to have been misled about this as there were at least two other U.S. Black Belts (Charles 'Chuck' Sereff and Edward Sell^[14][15]) awarded TKD 8th Dan several years prior. On July 1, 2000, Norris was presented the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Karate Union Hall of Fame. In 1999, Norris was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum's Hall of Fame [49]

Acting career[link]

Rise to fame[link]

In 1969, Norris made his acting debut in the Dean Martin film The Wrecking Crew.

In June 1970, his younger brother Wieland, a private in the 101st Airborne Division, was killed in Vietnam while on patrol in the defense of Firebase Ripcord.^[16] Norris later dedicated his Missing in Action films to his brother's memory. At a martial arts demonstration in Long Beach, Norris met the soon-to-be famous martial artist Bruce Lee. In 1972 he acted as Lee's nemesis in the movie Way of the Dragon (titled Return of the Dragon in its U.S. distribution), which is widely credited with launching him toward stardom.[49] In Asia, Norris is still known primarily for this role. In 1974, McQueen encouraged him to begin acting classes at MGM.

Norris' first starring role was 1977's Breaker! Breaker!, and subsequent films such as Good Guys Wear Black (1978), The Octagon (1980), An Eye for an Eye (1981), and Lone Wolf McQuade proved his increasing box office bankability. In 1984, Norris starred in Missing in Action, the first of a series of prisoner of war rescue fantasies themed around the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue that were produced by Israeli cousins Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus and released under their Cannon Films banner. Contrary to reports, Norris publicly said he was never offered the part of the Sensei of the Cobra Kai dojo in the film The Karate Kid.

Over the next four years, Norris became Cannon's most prominent star, appearing in eight films, including Code of Silence, The Delta Force, and Firewalker, in which he co-starred with Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr.. Many of the aforementioned films were produced by Chuck Norris's brother Aaron, as were several episodes of Walker, Texas Ranger. In 1986, he was involved in the production of the Ruby Spears cartoon Karate Kommandos.

[edit] Walker, Texas Ranger

By the close of the 1980s, Cannon Films had faded from prominence, and Norris's star appeal seemed to go with it. He reprised his Delta Force role for MGM, which had acquired the Cannon library after the latter's Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Norris went on to make several more largely ignored films before making a transition to television.^[17] In 1993, he began shooting the series Walker, Texas Ranger, which lasted eight years on CBS and continued in heavy syndication on other channels, notably the Hallmark Channel.[49]

On October 17, 2005, CBS premiered the Sunday Night Movie of the Week, Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire. The production was a continuation of the series, and not scripted to be a reunion movie. Norris reprised his role as Cordell Walker for the movie. He has stated that future Walker, Texas Ranger Movie of the Week projects are expected; however, this was severely impaired by CBS's 2006–2007 season decision to no longer regularly schedule Movies of the Week on Sunday night.

Product endorsements[link]

Norris has appeared with Christie Brinkley in a long-running series of cable TV infomercials promoting Total Gym home fitness equipment.

In 2010, Norris appeared in adverts for communications company T-Mobile in the Czech Republic.^[18] In 2011, Norris appeared in adverts for the World of Warcraft video game.^[19]

Chun Kuk Do[link]

A placard outside Norris's karate studio

Norris created the martial art Chun Kuk Do, which is based primarily on Tang Soo Do and includes elements from every combat style he knows. Like many other martial arts, Chun Kuk Do includes a code of honor and rules to live by. These rules are from Chuck Norris's personal code. They are:

1. I will develop myself to the maximum of my potential in all ways.
2. I will forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements.
3. I will continually work at developing love, happiness and loyalty in my family.
4. I will look for the good in all people and make them feel worthwhile.
5. If I have nothing good to say about a person, I will say nothing.
6. I will always be as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
7. I will maintain an attitude of open-mindedness.
8. I will maintain respect for those in authority and demonstrate this respect at all times.
9. I will always remain loyal to my God, my country, family and my friends.
10. I will remain highly goal-oriented throughout my life because that positive attitude helps my family, my country and myself.

Personal life[link]

Family[link]

Norris married Dianne Holechek in 1958. In 1963 their first child, Mike, was born. His daughter Dina was born in 1964 to a woman he was not married to.^[20] Then, he had a second son, Eric, with his wife in 1965. After 30 years of marriage, Norris and Holechek divorced in 1988.

In November 1998, he married former model Gena O'Kelley, born in 1963 and 23 years Norris' junior. O'Kelley had two children from a previous marriage. She delivered twins in 2001: Dakota Alan Norris, a boy, and Danilee Kelly Norris, a girl.^[21] The wedding was performed by Lawrence Kennedy, who is featured in Norris' autobiography. ^[22]

On September 22, 2004, Norris told Entertainment Tonight's Mary Hart that his daughter Dina was the result of an extramarital affair. He did not meet her until she was 26, although she learned that he was her father when she was 16. She sent a letter to his home informing him of their relationship. After meeting her, Norris said he knew she was his daughter upon seeing her.^[23]

Chuck Norris has six grandchildren, three from his son Mike^[24] and three from his son Eric^[25].

Christianity[link]

An outspoken Christian,^[26] Norris is the author of several Christian-themed books, such as The Justice Riders. He has also been in a few TV commercials promoting Bible study and prayer in public schools, in addition to efforts to reduce drug use. In his WorldNetDaily columns, he has expressed his belief in Biblical creationism,^[27] that those who are troubled should turn to Jesus, and is quoted as saying "true patriots" do not stay clear of discussing religion and politics.^[28]

Norris serves on the board of directors of the National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools, an organization promoting the use of the Bible in public schools, and also speaks on behalf of organizations advocating official prayers in public schools.

Martial arts and personal fitness[link]

Norris has received a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from the Machado family.^[29]

In his February 15, 2010 WorldNetDaily column, Norris announced that, starting in the fall of 2010, he will begin a second weekly column for Creators Syndicate. This new column, "C-Force", will focus on personal fitness.^[30]

Chuck Norris facts[link]

Protest banner at the University of Bamberg hinting to Chuck Norris facts (German: "Only Chuck Norris manages to achieve a bachelor's degree in scheduled time")

In late 2005, Norris became the object of an ironic internet meme known as "Chuck Norris Facts", which document fictional, often absurdly heroic feats and characteristics about Norris. Norris has written his own response to the parody on his website, stating that he does not feel offended by them and finds some of them funny.^[31]

On November 29, 2007, Gotham Books, the adult division of Penguin USA, released a book entitled The Truth About Chuck Norris: 400 facts about the World's Greatest Human based on the Chuck Norris Facts.^[32] Norris filed suit in December against Penguin USA and author Ian Spector claiming "trademark infringement, unjust enrichment and privacy rights."^[33] Norris dropped the suit in May of the following year.^[34]

Activism[link]

Philanthropy[link]

In addition to being an action superstar, Chuck Norris is also a philanthropist. He is known for his contribution towards organizations such as Funds for Kids, Veteran's Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, the United Way, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the form of donations as well as fund-raising activities.^[35]

His time with the U.S. Veterans Administration as a spokesperson, was inspired by his experience serving the United States Air Force in Korea. His objective has been to popularize the issues such as Pensions and Health care, that concern hospitalized war veterans. Due to his significant contributions, and continued patriotism, he received the Veteran of the Year award in 2001 at the American Veteran Awards.^[35]

Norris also established the United Fighting Arts Federation and KickStart in 1990. As a significant part of his philanthropic contributions, the organization was formed to develop self-esteem and focus in at-risk children as a tactic to keep them away from drug-related pressure by training them in martial arts. Norris hopes that by shifting middle school and high school children's focus towards this positive and strengthening endeavour, these children will have the opportunity to build a better future for themselves.^[35][36]

In 2005, Norris founded the World Combat League (WCL), a full-contact, team-based martial arts competition, of which part of the proceeds are given to his KickStart program.^[35]

Additionally, Norris supports the Vijay Amritraj Foundation, which aims at bringing hope, help and healing to the defenceless and innocent victims of disease, tragedy and circumstance in India. Through his donations, he has helped the foundation support Paediatric HIV/AIDS homes in Delhi, a blind school in Karnataka, and a mission that cares for HIV/AIDS infected adults, as well as mentally ill patients in Cochin.^[37]

Political views[link]

Norris is a Republican, often championing the views of the party. Norris has donated more than $32,000 to Republican candidates and organizations since 1988.^[38] Norris supports gun rights and ownership and is against public schools condoning homosexuality.^[39]

In 2006, Norris began penning a column for the conservative news website WorldNetDaily, sharing his "musings about faith, family, freedom, country, loyalty – maybe even kickboxing."

On January 26, 2007, Norris filled in for Sean Hannity as a co-host on the Fox News Channel debate program Hannity & Colmes alongside Alan Colmes.^[40]

On October 22, 2007, Norris announced his endorsement of Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for President.^[41] Norris said, "I believe the only one who has all of the characteristics to lead America forward into the future is ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee."^[42]

On May 10, 2008, Norris was the commencement speaker at Liberty University and addressing a graduating class of more than 4,000.^[43]

After the 2008 presidential election, Norris drafted a letter to President-elect Barack Obama, stating that he should "use and cite the Constitution ... protect American life ... learn from the mistakes of your Democratic predecessors ... [and] lead more from the center".^[44]

On November 18, 2008, Norris became one of the first members of show business to express support for the California Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage, and he chided activists for "interfering" with the democratic process and the double standard he perceived in criticizing the LDS Church without criticizing African Americans, who had voted for the measure by a wide margin.^[45]

During the 2012 presidential election, Norris first recommended Ron Paul, and then later formally endorsed Newt Gingrich as the Republican presidential candidate.^[46]

Honors[link]

On March 28, 2007, Commandant Gen. James T. Conway made Norris an honorary United States Marine during a dinner at the commandant’s residence in Washington, D.C.^[47]

On December 2, 2010, he (along with brother Aaron) was given the title honorary Texas Ranger by Texas Governor Rick Perry.^[48]

Filmography[link]

References[link]

[49] Matsuda, Michael (2010). Martial Arts History Museum: Hall of Fame, Vol. 1

Further reading[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Chuck Norris

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Chuck Norris

• Official website
• Chuck Norris at the Internet Movie Database
• Chuck Norris on cite martialinfo.com

• Chuck Norris on cite completemartialarts.com

• [1]
• Official Chun Kuk Do Website
• Audio interview with National Review Online
• Chuck is named to Maxim.com's Top Dudeliest Dudes list of 2007

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