Judge tieing himself in knots - Court decorum

JUDGES are in a position of power and privilege, not only because they get to dispense justice, but because they get a great insight into the workings, and failings, of society and State.

It is a pity they don’t share their insights more often. Even allowing for their need to remain detached from politics and avoid displays of bias, their input could highlight and speed up reforms needed in areas such as family law, the probation service, and rehab supports.

So it is a particular pity that when Judge James O’Donohue spoke out this week, he chose to do so about something as trivial as the necessity of wearing a tie in order for the business of the court to proceed.

He is entitled to demand that the decorum of the court be respected, but just how a length of cloth holding a shirt collar closed is essential to decorum is a mystery.

He also rather snootily dismissed the non-tie-wearer as adopting a Ryanair look.

The last thing the legal profession needs is reinforcement of the perception that it is an exclusive club inhabited by people born to privilege who don’t lower themselves to fly Ryanair.

Perceptions create barriers, barriers create mistrust, and mistrust fuels disrespect. None of which is helpful in the smooth running of the justice system. Judge O’Donohue may have tied himself in knots on this one.