The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-10-25
Forum Of The People
Disrespect For Law-Dignity Of Courts.

DisreSpect For Law-Dignity or Courts. To the Editor of The Age-Herald: -.
 In considering the prevailing and growing disrespect for laws, so flagrantly manifested in numerous forms of violations, 1t occurs to me that a deep-seated cause may lie in the practice of "popularizing" those offices upon which we depend for law enforcement The selection of judges by direct popular vote, 1n- stead of by the convention plan so long and satisfactorily used, compels these officers to come down from the dignified pedestal they should occupy, and to mingle with all sorts and kinds of people on such terms of famil- iarity as to shatter that divinity which doth hedge about q king," something the people like-rangings of politicians to the contrary notwithstanding. The demagogue ill his efforts to curry public favor, has demeaned high and honorable public office by pulling 1t down to the lowest voter, instead of patriotically setting the office on d pinnacle and directing the voters attention to that plane. Familiar ity breeds contempt" and it is well-nigh i'm possible for the populace (you and l) to hold in proper respect an individual in office who, for the sake of votes, must conduct hlm- self towards the public in a manner that does violence to the traditional regard we Lold for the office itself. The hysteria for the '.popular' election of officers, particularly the judiciary, will prevent many capable men from seeking such places, reduce the calibre of contestants and result, eventually, in dis tinct lowering Of standards for responsible stations.
 The judges themselves, with some refresh ing exceptions, are not altogether blameless in bringing about this condition of the pub lie mind; since many of them cater to the popular will in a manner which detracts very much from the dignity of the bench and the usefulness of the judge. At tie risk of pro voking a smile I would venture tue sugges- tion, that the dignity and influence of our courts would be enhanced, if the judges would cut out witty and frivolous comment upon the proceedings; don the gown (not necessarily the 'woOlsack) for service on the bench and require the officers of the court (sheriff or marshal and deputies) to be ar rayed in uniforms of an appropriate and dis tinctive type-something to show that, for the time being, they were not the Tom" Bill" or Joe" of familiar, everyday life, but representatives of the government in an of ficial capacity. I believe that such custom would make the proceedings of our courts Estate and federaI more impressive and teach the people almost unconsciously deeper re- spect for law. Striking and familiar illus trations are found in the universal respect accorded the soldiers and the policeman's s uniform by all classes and kinds of patriotic citizens. In similar, If slightly lesser de- gree, would Q respect for our peace-time pro tectors be inculcated by setting them apart and above ordinary vacations, as the dis tinctive and traditional costumes would do. Our courts are often compared with similar British officers to our disadvantage; in throwing off the British yoke, it is possible that we may have discarded some procedures which could have been retained with profit The respect for and effectiveness of our fed eral courts is commonly and correctly at tributed to their freedom from accountability to local popular favor and greater dignity with which their proceedings are conducted. The state courts would, no doubt, command more popular respect, if somewhat removed from popular control; while both state and federal would more nearly measure up to the ideal conception of tribunal, if clothed in it's outward habiliments.
 N. D. ALEXANDER.
 Bessemer, Ala, Route 4, Oct. IS, 1924.