I have received some interesting responses to the blog post For Dignity and Respect. With permission of the writers, I am posting their thoughts here.
Response ONE:
I read your article and wanted to reply with my own personal
experience and thoughts.
I was a new lawyer when I was scheduled for an early 9:00
am hearing in Miami. My wife and I were up all night dealing with a fussy
two year old but I dutifully left the house at around 6:00 am to ensure I would
be on time for the hearing. I arrived early for the hearing and began to
put on my tie and jacket before heading upstairs to the ninth floor only to
realize that I had forgotten my tie. I didn’t have time to buy one before
the hearing so I proceeded upstairs sans tie figuring that as the hearing was
only going to be about 5 minutes it would not be the end of the world. I
was apparently wrong as the sitting JCC (who thankfully is no longer on the
bench) delayed the hearing to spend 10 minutes dressing me down for my failure
to appear wearing a tie. Certainly this JCC was a stickler for formality,
including the requirement that attorneys stand at the podium when addressing
the “court,” however I felt that this was entirely unnecessary. I
will say however that I have since kept a tie stashed in my car for just such
occasions.
I think we should all realize that we practice in Florida
where summer temperatures and humidity making “formal” dress not only
uncomfortable but also sweaty. What is the purpose of wearing a jacket in
100 degree temperatures other than impress upon others how uncomfortably we can
dress? Similarly, why do we insist on placing a noose around our
necks? Showing respect and dressing appropriately does not require any
specific set of rules and should take into account the environment in which we
live and practice.
At least one study has shown that a tight necktie causes
increased intraocular pressure and could contribute to glaucoma. http://bjo.bmj.com/content/87/8/946.full
I would also point you to the Oregon State Bar Bulletin
article “Reconsidering the Necktie” by Brian Williams.
And finally a more general op-ed in the Iowa State Daily
Here’s to hoping that one day we can all agree that the tie
is an outdated fashion accessory and not some magical talisman which conveys
and demands respect. If the only reason that a party feels I respect them
is because of some silk around my neck then I have failed in my ability to
convey basic human decency and compassion with how I speak and act.
Keep up the good work on the blog.