General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Federal Judge Tells Women Lawyers Not To Dress Like ‘An Ignorant Slut’ [View all]Ms. Toad
(38,664 posts)I did discuss attire, and the persuasive importance of appearance, with one of my female students when she presented her Supreme Court argument in an extremely low cut top.
I had an odd number of students and had offered to replace the lowest grade of any student who paired with the odd man out - which coincidentally happened to be that young woman. Between court appearances, she reversed her top. Quite resourceful, and responsive!
In all seriousness, just as what one wears, and where and when one wanders does not give anyone license to commit sexual assault or rape - how one appears in court should not influence a decision.
The reality, though, is that just as I make conscious choices every day that make it less likely I will be targeted by someone intent on doing evil - when I am in a courtroom I make choices related to the reality that when I am representing a client, appearance may well have an impact on how I (and my client) are perceived.