Dress code being drafted for court appearances

BENTON -- Appropriate dress will soon be a requirement for court appearances in Benton.

Christy Hency, circuit court clerk for Scott County, advised the County Commission during their regular meeting Tuesday that she is drafting a dress code for the 33rd Circuit Court in Benton.

"It's coming but I don't have it finalized yet," Hency said. "We're working on it this week."

Following the meeting, Hency discussed the idea with Circuit Judge David A. Dolan and the two associate division judges in Scott County, Scott Horman and Hense Winchester.

All three judges indicated they will support a dress code, Hency said.

A dress code is enforceable, Hency advised commissioners: "Bailiffs have full authority to send someone home," she said.

Hency said the idea of establishing a dress code for court appearances was discussed at a National Center for State Courts certification seminar she attended.

"A lot of people are showing up in pajamas," Hency said. "There needs to be a more respectful appearance brought into the courtroom and I think the judges all feel the same way."

Some courts in the area have already established some restrictions on clothing, according to Hency.

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