Leave the flip flops at home

Now that summer is here, many think it’s OK to go to court in shorts, tank tops and flip flops. They might get away with it in some courtrooms - it’s ultimately up to the judge - but I’ve seen marshals removing quite a few people from New London courtrooms in recent weeks. Many can’t believe they are being told to leave and attempt, unsuccessfully, to argue their case with the keepers of courtroom order.

In criminal courtrooms, casual dress has become the norm so much that anyone in a suit or dressy slacks can be mistaken for a lawyer. A good rule of thumb, I have heard some attorneys tell clients, is to wear your best business attire. If you have none, wear something clean and modest. You might have a flat stomach, but it’s best not to bare it in a courtroom.

Though smiling and laughing breaks out now and then in court, it is meant to be a formal place where the rule of law is exercised. If we were all sitting around in our shorts and T-shirts, it might be hard to take one another seriously.

By the way, what could be more serious than a black judge’s robe?