Etiquette and Bell Bottom Blues

Proper court attire is surprisingly still rather “conservative” in this day and age. It was even more so 53 years ago, when “hip-hugger” bell bottom pants were just becoming trendy. An attorney can give the court dress etiquette one should follow. A quick search online found the following, along with tips including that of getting a haircut: “The judge, jury and everyone else in the courtroom will take notice of how you choose to present yourself to the court. You want to show that (a) you respect the courtroom and (b) that you are taking the matter seriously. Whether it is as simple as a contested traffic ticket or more complicated like a medical malpractice case, it is important to dress appropriately for court.” – from CohenJaffe.com, photo source Pinterest

Makes Girl Get a Dress For Decree

LOS ANGELES (UPI) Superior Judge Roger A. Pfaff yesterday objected to the attire and facial contortions of a waitress from nearby Panorama City, but he granted her a divorce anyway. The judge’s ire first was raised when she appeared in court attired in yellow bell bottom, hip - hugging “pajama pants.” “I’m not a stickler on so-called decorum,” said the judge. “But I will not let anyone come into my court and, testify in a pair of pajama pants or pedal pushers. Get yourself dressed up like a lady and I’ll hear your case.” 

The waitress went to a nearby store, bought a dress and returned. When she re-entered the courtroom, she apparently made a face and the judge thought she had struck out her tongue. Pfaff ordered her from the courtroom a second time, telling her attorney to “explain to her that you don’t make faces at judges.” Attorney Edwin Saul conferred with his client and explained to the judge that his client had wrinkled her nose at the thought of paying $11.47 for the dress. The judge then agreed to her case. She said her husband came home late at night. Pfaff granted the divorce. – La Habra Star, 1965

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Courtroom Etiquette

The Los Angeles superior courts have adopted a custom by which those present in a superior courtroom will rise when the judge enters, and remain standing until the judge takes his seat and says, “Please be seated.” – 1921

A Discussion of Courtroom Manners

Should superior courts of  Orange County establish the custom of opening court with the audience standing upon the entrance of the judge? Is the cry of the bailiff calling, “Hear ye, hear ye, the superior court in and for the County of  Orange is in session” advisable? These questions have been brought up at the courthouse by reason of the fact that the Los Angeles superior courts have adopted a custom by which those present in a superior courtroom will rise when the judge enters, and remain standing until the judge takes his seat and says, “Please be seated.” 

That formality such as this, has a tendency to impress people with the dignity and seriousness of the court’s business, has been declared by the two judges of Orange County, Z.B. West and R.Y. Williams. The question as to whether or not the custom should be instituted in Orange County has not been discussed by them. “I believe it is well worth doing and well worth instituting.” said Judge West. “We have always had the formal opening of the court by the bailiff.” The formal opening is not required by law, but is a matter of custom in individual courts. There may be some superior courts in this state in which the custom is established. It is not a general practice, however. – (AP) Orange County, California, 1921

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia