Magdeburg/Dessau-Roßlau (dpa/sa) - In court, the judges call the shots - even when it comes to the wardrobe in extreme heat. Special clothing rules apply in the judiciary. "Professional judges, like recorders, are obliged to wear official dress. The obligation exists regardless of the weather," said a spokesman for the Ministry of Justice on request. Lawyers should wear one too. Exceptions are civil cases before a district court.
The official attire consists of a black robe, and a white shirt or blouse with a white tie, white bow tie, white bow or white scarf must be worn underneath. Attorneys and Clerks of the Office may wear a non-conspicuous shirt of a different color. "The official dress is to be worn in all sessions for the oral hearing or main hearing and for the announcement of a decision," said the spokesman.
But: In particularly adverse temperature conditions such as extreme heat, the judges are authorized to exempt those involved from wearing their official dress in individual cases. A spokeswoman for the district court of Dessau-Roßlau pointed out that this option is sometimes used, especially since the courtrooms are not always air-conditioned. Respect for the court must always be guaranteed through clothing, even without a robe. But this is a matter of course.
