Traffic court

[East Bay Rider]

I just got home from attending traffic court for the first time ever. I'd inadvertently allowed one of our auto registrations to lapse and was required to appear, explain and the fine was waived.
Upon entering the courthouse I was allowed to try to get through the metal detector without removing my watch but it set off the alarm so with 100 people behind me all looking to get into the building I handed it to the police officer, walked through and he handed it right back. It never left my sight. I've never had to do that at an airport but court was even stricter but faster and (seemed) safer.
As an aside I couldn't help but shake my head at some of the people inside attending court.
Inside the courtroom people had to be repeatedly reminded to shut off their cell phones and put them away. Take off their hats. Take off their sunglasses (seriously). Answer "Here" loudly and clearly when their name is called, Say "Yes, your honor" instead of "yeah" and "iaght" (I don't know how to spell that sound) and dress appropriately. It's court after all.
All that and I was only there for two hours.
Feeling old. "That's not how we did things back in my day".

[Moggo]

I've never had to attend but common courtesy is due whether you clean the streets or run the country i.e. Remove sunglasses etc

The 'Your Honour' thing is pretty old fashioned I guess and I'm sure there is nothing honourable about some of them :) I could see that rubbing people up the wrong way.

Sounds more like lacking respect and general courtesy. They are most probably veterans at the court unlike yourself :)


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[ras47]

I was in traffic court some months back for a non-moving violation. Insurance card was one week out of date and the new one was sitting on my kitchen counter. D'oh! Anywho, i was in the queue for entering and had just gone through the metal detector. As I went through and the guy behind me started to empty his pockets I heard the two cops start to laugh. I turned around to see him being cuffed. One of the things he removed from his pockets was a baggie of marijuana. Interestingly, the cops said it happens more than you'd think.

The judge was a demon on folks using their cellphones while driving, handing out $300 and $400 fines like they were Christmas cookies. When my name was called I had to show the new valid insurance card. My fine was $33 and I headed to the cashier. The guy before me was fined for several things and had racked up over $800 in fees/fines. He was almost to the door when he heard my fine and let out a loud "SON OF A B**CH!!" Everybody roared with laughter, even the judge. When the bailiff moved to intercept the guy after his outburst, the bailiff looked to the judge and the judge just waved him off. I think everybody got the judge's message that day: "Get yourself a bluetooth." (Judge's words)

[Moggo]

Talking about the detectors, where I worked they had a hand held wand type detector.

I followed a lady in and she stood on the mat and they ran the wand over her and as they got to her upper outside thigh it bleeped...........they then did the same on the other leg and it bleeped again!

The woman looked hugely embarrassed as the guard questioned her as to whether she had suspenders on! :)

She nodded and shuffled off, she really hadn't thought that through when she dressed that morning :)


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[hugs]

The thing I find unacceptable is it can't be through ignorance. I mean these days people are using pages/videos on the internet that teach the social skills that you are supposed to just pick up (how to act in a restaurant, how to tie a tie, how to kiss!!!) these have millions of views so it is clearly a popular and accessible way to learn these things nowadays so why did they not do the same before they entered one of the most important buildings in society..

In the past there would be the odd young witness who was obviously in a completely new environment nor had any family members or friends with past experiences .. they would be excused for ignorance .. but these days with information so readily available the only reason people don't follow the customs is a complete contempt and lack of respect

[BristolCavendish]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

Take off their hats. Take off their sunglasses (seriously)...and dress appropriately. It's court after all.

While I don't make a habit of attending traffic court, I've seen folks turned away for wearing cut-offs with tank tops and perhaps one I will never forget, a guy wearing a costume as it was Halloween that particular day.

[kulak]

It seems unnecessary to require an appearance for expired registration. They can't just let you renew and pay fine at the tax office?

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by kulak

It seems unnecessary to require an appearance for expired registration. They can't just let you renew and pay fine at the tax office?

No. There were several of us there for only that reason. Some others also were cited for failure to produce proof of insurance but upon providing proof covering the date of the citation those charges were dropped.

[donas]

I had to laugh at the "iaght", that is so true.

When I was LE and attended court regularly, there was talk from the court of enforcing a dress code and it was deemed to be prejudicial and possibly prohibiting some to their right to a trial. I find it a hard to believe a tank top is the best wardrobe some have, but whatever.

We did have a judge or two that would often challenge people on their appearance, not worried about the repercussions. I even saw one of these judges kick a certified service dog out of court and an attorney jailed on contempt by the same judge. I loved going to his court because it was always a show!