Be mindful of your appearances, lawyers, judges told

 Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia has reminded judges and lawyers to be mindful of their personal appearance. 

Sir Salamo made the comment at the admission ceremony for 89 new lawyers in the National and Supreme Court at Waigani last Friday.

“Lawyers and judges should be presentable in smart white and black clothes,” Sir Salamo said.

“Sloppy looking appearance, red coated mouth with buai stains, dark lips coloured by intensive smoking habits, excessive or fancy dressing such as long rasta hair or raskol hairstyles, fancy shaving styles, unnecessary long hair and beards, flashy rings, ear rings and armbands are not allowed in courts.”

 He said in the last 10 years some judges and lawyers have painted their own interpretation to the dress code.

Sir Salamo urged such judges and lawyers that were not adhering to the appropriate court room dress code, as prescribed by the rules of court, not to enter the courtroom. 

He said appropriate dress standards in and out of the courtroom and personal appearance contributed to maintaining respect for the courts and the legal profession. 

He told the lawyers that upholding the legal dress code would lift their profile, boosts their self confidence and serve as a reminder to themselves and the public about the importance of their role as promoters and defenders of the rule of law.

As upholders of the rule of law on this land, lawyers and judges needed to be dressed in a proper code that is required of them.