New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-07
JUSTICES TO WEAR GOWNS.
AN INNOVATION IN TRIAL TERMS OF THE
SUPREME COUET-NOT UNANI-
MOIrS AROUT IT.

On and after the first day Of the coming year the
Supreme Court Justices assigned to duty in this
county will wear gowns while they are on the
bench. An announcement to this effect was made
in the County Courthouse yesterday. and when
approached the subject several OF the justices
confirmed the report. 1t was admitted. however.
that there considerable opposition to the adop-
ton Of the measure. and il was said that at least
two Of the regular Judges sitting IN the building
had signned their intention OF refusing to don tho
newly adopted insignia Of rank.
When the Court of Common Pleas and the SUI
perior Court consolidated in tho SUI
prome Court. the question as to
whether the Justices should gowns or not
1t eventually decided that the Justices OF the
Appellate Division should do so. The Justices Of
the Special and trial terms OF the court continued
to sit without gowns. Should order be passed
10 change this. however. 1t will only apply TO the
Justices OF the First Department. which comprises
the county Of New-York and II is open ques-
ton TO whether or not the Justices from other
departments who assigned by the Governor to
do duty In this department will come under the
rule.
Justices Lawrence and MacI.ean the justices
who It is said. have declined to comply with any
resolution providing for tho wearing OF gowns.
Justice Pryor will 90 out Of Office December
81 and Is not concerned.
In answer to question tho subject. Justice
Bischoff said yesterday: Yes. we have decided to
at such a decision | think too much solemnity
cannot be thrown round our courts. especially in
trial courts. The justices OF the Court of APP
peals and Of the Appellate Division OF the supreme
Court gowns. In these two courts appeals
heard. and there are few persons present ex-
cept members of the bar. who are well-dressed and
well-behaVed. The gowns are not so much needed
I'm those courts as I'm the trial courts, whore all
classes Of litigants witnesses and other people APP
pear"
Priests gowns. soldiers uniforms and other
men wore tokens OF their office. Justice Bischof
said. and It eminently proper that the judges,
whose duty and office called for certain amount
Of soemnity and respect. should do So He thought
the wearing OF gowns would impress those who at
tended court
There has lately seemed great lack OF respect
on the part OF some OF those whose duties have
brought them 10 court" continued the Justice and
he nstanced the OF a man who had rushed
into his court flushed. wearing knckerbockers and
with his neggee shirt thrown open.
'I mention this" he remarked, as an llustra-
ton Of how lacking some people have become IN
the respect they should show the Supreme Court
OF this State. The dress suit worn BY men ], worn
by them on certain occasions when 1t IS deemed
proper, according to the usages Of society; and
II the wearing of gowns tends to Increase and pre-
serve respect for this tribunal shall think II a
vast Improvement. and calculated to aid in the
due administration OF justice.
Il believe that p-iice Magistrates should wear
gowns as tho posit-n they occupy Is ono In which
II is most necessary TO inspire the people who are
brought there"