I'm not quite sure what to make of this yet, but I'm definitely leaning towards this is a good thing.

After watching in disbelief for more than two years as people came to Oakland County Circuit Court dressed for a day at the beach or the movies, Judge James M. Alexander had seen enough.

“The courtroom is one of the symbols of our system. And I think people who come here should show some respect for the system,” Alexander said. “This is a hall of justice. Even McDonald’s says they will not serve you if you don’t have shoes on or proper attire. I understand that some people may be coming to the court from work, but you can only take casual Friday so far. A certain amount of respect has to be given.

“If people can dress up to attend church, they can do the same for any office of government.”

I've never been to an Oakland County court room, but I did have to testify in a civil suit in Wayne Co. before. The whole episode of going downtown Detroit and to this building was nightmare. The panhandlers and the bums hit you up before you even make it in the building and the doors doesn't hold them back.

As I waited to testify outside the courtroom which happened to be across from a door marked Wayne County Sheriff the lights went out in the hallway. Well sitting a few benches down was a skinny assed drunk that smelled like a diaper pail. Well not actually sitting he was laying on a bench talking to himself. When the lights went out, he decided it was a good time to make his move on me, being the "handsome gentleman he was that could give a woman a good time." Which I just responded "no thanks" and moved to another bench. Well he followed.

I got up and tried the Sheriffs door. Locked. Isnt' that a kicker. Finally after about ten minutes of this crap, someone came out of the Sheriffs door, seen this person and told him to move along. About fucking time.

About an hour later I'm called in and the courtroom is filled with people reading books, newpapers, dozing etc. WTF? The judge never once looked at me as I testified, he typed on a laptop the entire time. Probably blogging. All in all I could definitely see why no one would have any faith in the court system. Definitely not like TV.

So here is what Judge Alexander imposed with the sanction of Michigan Supreme Court:

Courtroom decorum

The Oakland County Circuit Court has imposed the following rules about the conduct and dress of everyone who enters the courthouse:

* Clothing such as short shorts, halter tops, sweat suits, camouflage garments, swimwear, exercise garb and revealing garments such as tank tops are not permitted in the courtroom.

* Smoking, eating, drinking (including bottled water), and chewing gum are prohibited at all times, including during recess. All conversations and reading of books, newspapers and periodicals except those necessary for trial are also prohibited in court.

* The court will display a more detailed list on its Web site by the end of the week at http://www.co.oakland.mi.us/courts/