I say, what a lot of fulminating going on, resorting to foul language and insults, when an argument has been lost is quite demeaning and speaks volumes of the initiator.

Now where is my cuppa

gross- thanks.

I was about the write that Barrows in Oz don't wear gowns etc but just on the news last night I saw a bunch (collective noun=?) of SCs (QCs) coming out of court dressed in gowns and wigs and jabots(?). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Court_dress#Australia

As far as others go - it is rare these days - except in the case of the odd Melbourne gangster, like Fat Tony ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Mokbel  - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Williams_(criminal)) and a few corrupt lawyer mates, most don't seem to wear suits.

Your average petty crim turns up in a hoodie or perhaps a black suit, black shirt and pastel tie.

In the old days when I was a Probation Officer - I'd advise my people not to wear a suit unless they were comfortable in it  and usually wore one more than once a month. Me I'm still not comfortable anything less than dark suit and tie in court, not that I am in court at all these last few years. My one criminal charge was possession of cannabis in the 70s -  ago - it was a police set up - long story - and I wore a DB checked suit with flared pants - as almost everyone did at the time - not guilty - no conviction. My other appearance as the defendant have been around minor traffic offenses where I defended myself - ( A fool for client .... I know I know) - always suit and tie.

My appearance as support, witness, friend of court, or etc - always a suit and tie.

I have been called for Jury Duty twice - first time they never got to me. The second time was not long after Ms FXH had been on a a 3 week catholic priest paedophile case and I was working for myself and really couldn't spend 3 weeks without any income and so, as advised dressed UP in dark suit and tie etc - on the advice that defending lawyers don't want a CBD Business looking guy on jury and was successfully challenged.

Mostly these days very few seem to dress up as a mark of respect* for the courts and they seem to get away with it - although recently it pleased me that one idiot was sentenced to a spell in pokey for contempt for chewing gum and making gestures with his finger. I think he appealed and I'm not sure of outcome.

* I always though the reason for wearing suit and tie was to show respect for the rule of law, democracy and separation of powers.

Last edited by Marc Grayson (2011-04-27 17:07:57)

This is becoming iGent.

It's a shirt and a work shirt at that...!!!