“Master in Chancery” title changing in Delaware

DELAWARE – The title of “Master in Chancery”, which has existed in Delaware since the 1980s, is being changed.

We’re told the change is due to the fact that the current title carries negative connotations for many Delawareans due to its use of the word “master” and its connection to slavery. Even though the title has no link to that historical context, the Court of Chancery is sensitive to the title’s negative connotations and has therefore proposed a substitute title of “Magistrate in Chancery”.

To accomplish this, the Delaware General Assembly passed Senate Bill 179 on June 30th, and Governor John Carney signed the bill on July 17th, making it effective immediately. The Court of Chancery amended its Rules of Procedure to adopt the legally appropriate title.

The Court of Chancery will begin enforcing this change on August 15th. Practitioners are encouraged to review their standard forms to ensure that they are using the correct title. It will be acceptable and encouraged to refer to judicial officers holding this title as “Magistrate in Chancery”, “Magistrate”, or “Your Honor”.