We nod to the crest of HRH rather than the judge per se, it just happens that the judge sits below the crest.
Even as a member of the public in a personal case, I still nod my allegiance to the Crown, to her Majesty, even though I’m not an advocate or court staff in that case.
I did my law degree twenty years ago and PhD ten years ago now, so things may have changed on why we demonstrate our respect to the ‘judge’/Royal Crest.
If anyone else knows, please do let us know?
With gratitude in advance, Mel