Respecting the Courtroom and a little office etiquette….
Have you heard about or read the article regarding the Blackford Circuit Judge in Indiana who issued an order directing an attorney, who made it a habit to appear in court without socks, to wear appropriate business attire, including socks and a tie?
Good for you Judge! The Courtroom should be honored and respected ALL the time.
On August 25, 2014, The Honorable Circuit Court Judge Dean Young issued an Order specifying for this attorney to wear appropriate business attire for future proceedings in his courtroom. This was not singling out of any sort. This was expected of all counsel in the courtroom.
Now, the Judge warned this attorney, in private on a courtroom break, of what was required and was supported by the local rules. Rather than comply, the attorney’s responded by saying, “I hate socks.” Further, the article states the attorney responded by telling the judge that unless he could show him applicable "orders or other legal authority," he would continue his habit of appearing sockless in court."
The Judge issued an Order with respect to future proceedings warning this attorney that, “He will be subject to sanctions from the court which may include a delay ordered by the court in presenting his case, fines, continuances of pending proceeding[s] for which costs, fees and expenses may be awarded opposing parties and/or their counsel, or such other sanctions for contempt that the court may impose in order to maintain appropriate decorum during court proceedings.”
I sure do hope this attorney can respect the Courtroom enough in the future to comply. It just seems so disrespectful otherwise.
As for jurors, they are not upheld to these standards. Most courtrooms ask that no offensive clothing and poor use of language on the clothing, cut-offs, etc., be worn, which is the usual expectation.
That brings us to office etiquette.
Times have changed so much from what they were years ago and many businesses have gone to a business casual look and much more liberal, but I don’t think that means it’s a free pass to take it to excess.
Certainly, unless you are going into the Courtroom where you may be expected to have suit and tie or a more formal look, men should consider a nice shirt and tie or button down with dress slacks or even a casual pant in the business place and ladies, well, they have a much wider variety to choose from nowadays, but it has gone to an extreme.
A rule of thumb used to be if the skirt is six inches above the knee then it’s a no-no or at least something that you may need to doctor up understanding that minis are very common now, but should be accompanied by some thick tights or leggings, gals. And, bare arms are usually not appropriate for either of the sexes.
Open-toed shoes used to be taboo, but now they are a pretty common. A nice shoe does not have to be an expensive shoe, but appropriate.
If you stop and ask “Should I?” then you probably shouldn’t. It’s not Friday night after-hours at the office. And, when choosing an outfit to wear to work, consider if you would you wear that to your initial job interview? That could answer a lot because if you say, probably not, then I would say you may not want to wear it to the office just because your foot is in the door.
It does take time to build up a business wardrobe, but some points to remember are neutral colors make great mix and match outfits. There are many consignment shops that have slightly used professional attire and of course, look for the sales! If you are bored with some of your attire swap it out with a friend and make it a new look for you.
You want to have a company that is proud that you represent them. Keep in mind, when you are in the public eye, not only do you leave an impression of who you are, you leave one for the company you represent as well.
;)
