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Thursday, June 21, 2007

Ind. Courts - "No shoes, no shirt, no service" in Porter County court

Diane Krieger Spivak reports today in the Gary Post-Tribune in an entertaining story that begins:

VALPARAISO -- Porter Circuit Court Judge Mary Harper's policy is similar to that of many businesses: No shoes, no shirt, no service.

And Harper means business. That's why she posts a directive both at the entrance to her courtroom and in her office, putting litigants and visitors on notice to cover up and shut up during court proceedings.

Appearance and actions must reflect the dignity of the court, Harper says.

The notice calls on those who enter to:

Turn off pagers and cell phones.

Do not sleep

Remove your hat

Please be quiet

Wear clean clothes that cover your stomach, chest. back upper arms and legs above the knees.

Wear shoes

Unfortunately, the rules aren't always followed.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on June 21, 2007 08:20 AM
Posted to Indiana Courts