And finally… keep your shirt on

A judge has pleaded for lawyers to get dressed and get out of bed before taking part in remote court hearings.

Lawyers in Florida have been rebuked for treating hearings as “casual phone conversations”.

In a letter published by the Weston Bar Association, Judge Dennis Bailey said it is “remarkable how many attorneys appear inappropriately on camera”.

He said: “We’ve seen many lawyers in casual shirts and blouses, with no concern for ill-grooming, in bedrooms with the master bed in the background, etc.

“One male lawyer appeared shirtless and one female attorney appeared still in bed, still under the covers.

“And putting on a beach cover-up won’t cover up you’re poolside in a bathing suit.”

The civil courts in Weston, Florida are holding hearings using the video-conferencing service Zoom, but criminal hearings are not going ahead.

Judge Bailey concluded: “So, please, if you don’t mind, let’s treat court hearings as court hearings, whether Zooming or not.”

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