Ventil

A family name carries far more than the size of the wallet that accompanies it.

Class is all about breeding and the right "Names".

There is a fair amount of idiots due to the size of the gene pool that they are drawn from (although this is not so prevalent now thanks to the inroads the lower classes are making ).
But it is fair to say that the Upper classes get better schooling and this immediately puts them ahead of their rivals in the lower classes.
It is this difference that allows a stupid upper class person to do well (thanks to a name, school network and a little shoulder up from one of Daddy's friends in the city).

I'd say the I was Middle to Upper class and whilst am not the richest of people I know (only the Noveaux brag about their wealth and personal effects), my schooling and upbringing puts me into this social class.

retired_senegalg

but individual judges are poorly paid, not that powerful and those int he lower 'ranks' don't get much prestige eitehr....

I suppose high court judges and above could be seen as upper class although I'm not sure they would consider themselves as such. </BLOCKQUOTE>

obviously not true. but then i guess you'll see whatever reality you want when you've already come to a conclusion. </BLOCKQUOTE>

Which part isn't true?

I'm happy for my conclusions to be challenged, this isn't exactly something that I have strong views on.

retired_princesspouty

What Docker said. The aristocracy is based on breeding... a long line of breeding amongst the same class which stretches back centuries.

You can be upper class without being an aristocrat. This will usually happen because the person is descended from a minor line of a family (younger son) rather than the main line, but they have still been able to remain in the 'upper' level of society but not 'landed gentry' or peers.

retired_may0gan

not much prestige in being a judge, judges aren't powerful, judges are poorly paid. clear nonsense.

and obviously looking at what class someone considers themelves isn't a valid method.

Ventil

Judges have the power to dictate law and are the final arbiters in the Justice system.
They are by far and away the most prestigious position before you move out of the Judiciary and into the Political arena.

The money side is not an issue as all Judges have been QCs beforehand and so handsomely rewarded already in their careers.

retired_may0gan

massively impressed by your ability to follow and argument at more than one post at a time docker

Ventil

not to mention fit in a busy job as well.....

retired_jennifer89889

I still wouldn't say being a judge is merit enough alone to make a person a member of the upper class.

It's a bit of a grey area. But even if it did make them upper class, the status wouldn't have a life beyond the career of the judge, unlike most members of the upper class who would hand on titles and whatnot after death. So it is a bit different.

retired_senegalg

not much prestige in being a judge, judges aren't powerful, judges are poorly paid. clear nonsense.

and obviously looking at what class someone considers themelves isn't a valid method. </BLOCKQUOTE>

Judges are paid far less than QCs.
Only law lords have any real power outside of their own court room.
Your average county court judge won't receive that much prestige, certainly not as much as your average MP who I wouldn't consider upper class.

retired_jenn912010

But your average MP has sod all power as well.