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Monday, August 03, 2009
Ind. Law - "It's the Law: courts want people on their best behavior"
Ken Kosky's NWI Times' "It's the Law" column today, August 3rd, looks at court etiquette, in the second of two articles about courts:
The sign on the door leading into Porter Circuit Court Judge Mary Harper's courtroom reminds people of the rules, such as be quiet, dress appropriately, take off your hat, don't have a cellular phone and don't sleep.The etiquette expected of guests to Harper's courtroom are somewhat standard in courtrooms. Today, in the second and final installment about court laws and etiquette, we outline how a courtroom visitor should look and behave.
Harper said the advent of courtroom shows on television -- in which outlandish behavior is encouraged to boost ratings -- has apparently given people the impression that anything goes in a courtroom. But such behavior is frowned upon in real court, she said.
"Folks need to not bring that to our courtroom," Harper said.
"This is a courtroom. It's not an alley..."
What that means is that people should wear clean, nice clothing. Harper requires people to wear clothing that covers their stomachs, backs, chests, upper arms and the legs above the knees. She's trying to avoid seeing a woman's breasts hanging out or a man's hairy armpits when he raises his arm to take the oath.
Once, a man came straight from work in filthy work clothes. Harper said the man, at the very least, should have kept a clean T-shirt in his car.
Harper also expects people to wear shoes. And she bans hats, but does allow older women to wear nice hats because that is considered proper for women of that age.
Porter Superior Court Judge David Chidester said he is a little more tolerant of inappropriate clothing. He is inclined to let the proceedings continue, especially if it's night court, but he would let the person know that more decorum needs to be shown next time.
"I'd say treat it (a court appearance) as if you're going to a job interview," Chidester said.
Chidester said it seems universal that judges don't like it when people respond to questions with "yeah," instead of the more formal "yes." Judges also frown upon people who are tardy, Chidester said.
Harper once had huge problems with cellular phones going off at the most inopportune times, but now cellular phones are banned in the entire courthouse.
Visitors to court should also know they are expected to refrain from eating or drinking, refrain from talking or making noise (people with crying babies will be asked to leave), avoid sleeping and avoid making out, Harper said.
"Life is getting casual and that's OK ... but respect the courtroom," Harper said.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on August 3, 2009 08:34 AM
Posted to Indiana Courts | Indiana Law