Judges implement dress code for the courtrooms

Proper dress and cell phone policies now in effect at courthouse

People wearing pajamas, flip flops, tank shirts and sagging pants has prompted judges at the Escambia County Courthouse in Brewton to implement a dress code for all persons entering any of the courtrooms.

Presiding Circuit Judge Jeff White said the situation had gradually gotten worse and worse, so the new dress code had to be implemented.

“There’s a formality in court and it comes back to respect of the court,” Judge White said. “Not me as a judge but the institution and what it means.”

Judge White said dress code violations are dealt with on a case-by-case basis where some people are sent back to get different clothes.

Copies of the courtroom dress code are posted at the courthouse and outside each courtroom. The dress code states that no hats of any kind can be worn in the courtroom; no vulgar or obscene apparel shall be worn; pants must be pulled up to waist level; so sleepwear attire, including robes, pajamas and slippers are to be worn; shoes must be worn at all times; and sunglasses must be removed before entering the courtroom.

Cell phones

Copies of the courtroom cell phone policy are also posted at the courthouse and outside the courtrooms.

The policy states no members of the public may use or display cellular telephones in any courtroom. All cellular phones must be turned off or placed on mute or vibrate mode and shall not be viewed or otherwise displayed while in any courtroom.

Attorneys and court personnel may use cellular telephones for texting, organizational functions, research and writing functions and other data transmission functions. However, all cellular phones must be placed on either mute or vibrate mode.

The policy also states that cellular telephones or other devices cannot be used to record or send photographs, video or audio information.

The use of cellular phones and other devices shall not disturb court proceedings.

Any person found in violation of the cellular telephone policy is subject to having the phone confiscated and/or receive sanctions for contempt of court.

Judge White said bailiffs are instructed to warn people seen using a cellular telephone. If caught again, the telephone will be confiscated until court proceedings are concluded.

“People need to know how important this institution is and the respect and dignity it requires,” Judge White said.

 
 
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