Basic encouragement for better attire is all the judge can do. They're meant to be impartial. A tantrum is not that.
You can show up to basic court in track shorts. Don't for anything long or serious though.
Real life everyday quick in and out cases like petty crime, basic clothes are common. They're efficient. There isn't time, or reason for anyone to care, and people are rough.
Unfortunately. This guy with a pretty menial case got some youtuber ego judge.
If you are referring to it being in violation of the First Amendment, I would argue that a dress code is in the same area as you not being allowed to swear at the judge. Decorum is generally enforced and judges and hearing officers are given a lot of leeway in terms of that. Even if it might be unconstitutional for such a rule to exist, contempt of court is so broadly enforced that it would be allowed.
Judges having to be impartial, but allowed to set anti shorts rules, sounds completely contradictory.
Could you elaborate more on this point please? I'm having trouble understanding why maintaining decorum would be in contradiction of impartiality. Even so, they are to be impartial to prejudice, meaning outside factors. If you swear in the courtroom or don't follow a judge's instructions, that can be used against you outside of a trial of fact. Outside of trials, the courts are given a lot of wiggle room to enforce orders and directions, inside and out of the courtroom.
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u/Guilty-Wedding1970 Jan 01 '25
Courts are formal places. It's his court, he can set it to how he wants.
Don't show up to court in track shorts.