Respect For the Court

[Jason Tandro]

Having, sadly, been in a court room a few times in my life, I am appalled by some of these ridiculous lacks of decorum.

Woman Arrested For Wearing Short Shorts to Court

Even in my own neighborhood the court is cracking down on the dress code.

Here's the thing, every time I have ever been to court, even as just moral support for somebody, I have been in a full suit and tie. But I have seen people appearing in court in like sweats and pajama tops. I've seen girls in flip-flops for god's sake!

There are a LOT of people out there who say that dress shouldn't matter, and that all that should matter is your case. Well even from that standpoint who looks more reputable. Guy in suit or guy in jean shorts and a wifebeater (the lovely southern colloquialism for tanktops)?

Anyways, I want to hear your opinions on this subject. And as a bonus:

Law Student Disrespects Judge and Gets a Legal Beatdown

[Miss Prime Blue]

Haha.

She deserved it for thinking she can "dress cute" in court.

And not wearing a bra to court? rly? how is that acceptable?

[inferiare]

...lol oh wow. That's certainly window licker special right there. I'm fairly certain that when I was called for jury duty that it stated right on the postcard to wear business casual stuff. :/

[Freedan]

Strictly speaking, what you wear shouldn't affect your actual case. You may look like a massive tool, but it doesn't change your case any; if you're right, you're right, and vice versa.

But really, show a little class. It's not like it's hard.

[Ratty Randnums]

Just a way to discriminate against people who can't afford suits/dress clothing. I don't own any myself.
Also here's a tidbit of things from my experience - a man (who I'm ashamed to think I'm related to) who had beaten his girlfriend got the case thrown out simply because the judge liked him for wearing a suit to court. With something like the words "Any man who would wear a suit to court wouldn't do a thing like that." At least that was the official reason given by the judge. But I believe the man's legal counsel/his brother's wife had had sex with the judge shortly before the hearing.
Respect is earned, and my experience with the court hasn't exactly earned my highest respect. I'll respect it as far as I'm legally obligated to.

[Jason Tandro]

Ratty Randnums wrote:

Just a way to discriminate against people who can't afford suits/dress clothing.

That's a weak argument. First, every suit I've ever owned I got second hand for around $20-$30. And secondly, you don't neccesarily have to be in a suit to look nice. You can still avoid wearing short shorts, pajama tops and flip flops to court.

I agree with you that respect has to be earned, but in a court of law you had better show the proper respect if you want to have any chance of winning.

And yes, that judge was obviously corrupt and should be disciplined by the bar, but that does not mean that is the norm.

[Mantaray]

Ratty Randnums wrote:

But I believe the man's legal counsel/his brother's wife had had sex with the judge shortly before the hearing.

leave it to the horny ones to screw everything up -_- it happens so often in movies that you forget they do it in real life too...

[EverPhoenix]

sora-mage wrote:

Ratty Randnums wrote: But I believe the man's legal counsel/his brother's wife had had sex with the judge shortly before the hearing. leave it to the horny ones to screw everything up -_- it happens so often in movies that you forget they do it in real life too...

pun intended?

[inferiare]

There's a difference between "I just rolled out of bed and look trashy right now whoopsie tee hee" and "I don't have a lot of money/I don't own nice business casual clothes but I have at least made the effort to not look like trash right now" which can be obtained by at least trying.

[SoulBlazerFan]

I've never worn a suit or a tie to court. However, I do make sure I look good if I have to be involved in any courtcase- especially the one I mentioned here awhile ago that involved handcuffs and mugshots...