Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court jails man for wearing the wrong duds in his court.
http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/feb/11/mahoning-county-judge-jails-man-wearing-blue-jeans/
I think everyone that goes into court should, out of respect dress appropriately...
I agree that everyone who enters the courtroom should should show a
modicum of respect - but the judge overstepped his authority by
singling out this person for ridicule by ordering that he wear a prison
outfit to court - PRIOR to his actually being convicted (or even tried
for that matter) for the crime with which he is being charged.
Now, if the man had been convicted and the judge had ordered him
to wear the prison clothes in public as a part of his probation/sentence,
then I would see no problem with it - although it would be a very unique
sentence.
The man was free on bail, therefore he had every right to wear normal,
"street clothes" into the courtroom - unless they were adorned with
vulgar language or other offensive details on them.
Hats are forbidden in a courtroom for a good reason - people can hide
weapons, etc under them - so I understand completely why this rule
exists, for example.
The courtroom does not belong to the judge. It belongs to the people
of the City of Youngstown and Mahoning county, he simply presides over
it. He is a public official, and is therefore paid by the ordinary, everyday
"Joe's" that he serves...most of whom wear ordinary clothing.
Is the judge saying that a striped jump suit and slippers is more appropriate than everyday clothes?
Doooh!!! Okay I'm sorry I did not read the article here.. I was under the assumption that the judge just did not like the blue jeans, That's what the local news reported on TV.. Judge Kirshbaum should be ashamed of himself.. If I were the defendant I would request a new venue, and also file a complant with the Bar.. The Judge is showing predigest actions.. There is no reason for any Judge to make a silly request like that.. Our courts need to be a serious system... not a place for personal amusement and humor.. The Voting Public is watching Scott!!!! >:(