Masters of the Bench

The etymology of the word 'Master' comes from the Medieval Latin 'magister', or teacher, and is used interchangeably for both men and women just as with the word 'actor'. From the late 12th century, it was used of one "eminently or perfectly skilled in something" or "one who is chief teacher of another (in religion, philosophy, etc.), religious instructor, spiritual guide." The sense of it applying to a "master workman or craftsman, workman who is qualified to teach apprentices and carry on a trade on his own account" is from about 1300. The meaning of "one charged with the care, direction, oversight, and control of some office, business, etc." is from the mid-13th century, as is the academic sense of "one who has received a specific degree". Originally it was used of "one who has received a degree conveying authority to teach in the universities" (the Inns of Court being at that time collectively a 'Third University') while 'master's degree', originally a degree giving one authority to teach in a university, is from the late 14th century.

The term 'Master' simplifies the protocol at the Inns of Court by avoiding titles such as knighthoods and peerages and constitutes a commonly-held and more inclusive style of salutation/rank within the Inns. Use of 'Master' at The Inner Temple is not gender specific and might be taken as indicating the mastery of the skill of advocacy. The clear academic connotation of the term (Master of Arts, Master of Laws etc) is fully in line with the Inn as a place of learning, in which education and training is front and centre of all activity, and with its statutory responsibility for the Call of students to the Bar of England and Wales.