I have noticed a trend lately while viewing court cases, both local and away, via the internet. Some of the people appearing via telephone or video are not taking the hearings seriously. The courts are the final arbiter of the law and are being treated like they are a joke. 

This is unacceptable. 

I recently read an article from the American Bar Association (ABA) Journal. The article titled, “Lawyers smoke cigars, drink wine during Zoom hearings; litigants appear from hair salon or while driving” by Debra Cassens Weiss highlights some of the most extreme cases of a lack of decency, but it is occurring in many places.

The Louisville Courier Journal listed several examples of remote hearing mishaps and misjudgments in the article. The Louisville Courier Journal is a publication in Louisville, Ky.

According to the article, a client appeared in her bikini by a pool, while another drank a beer, someone who wasn’t muted complained the hearing was “f–ing stupid,” a naked woman appeared when she didn’t have a case on the docket, another naked woman with curlers in her hair appeared who was unaware her camera was turned on, one client who was appearing in court because of a car accident appeared while for a Zoom deposition while driving and another defendant appeared with a clearly visible methamphetamine pipe that was visible on a table behind him.

What’s even more abhorrent is the fact the clients and defendants are the only ones who are being disrespectful and seriously lacking dignity. Yes, even the attorneys, those people who are bound by a “higher standard” to represent the American court and justice system are offenders in the realm of courtroom decorum as well. 

The article continues, one lawyer fell asleep and began snoring during motion hour, another lawyer smoked a cigar while cases were being called and another lawyer started drinking a glass of wine during a hearing about a parent’s drinking problem.

While the advent of Zoom and online teleconferencing has made life much easier in many ways, it has also created an immense amount of insincerity among users. While I am aware of very few cases in Goshen County where web-based teleconferenced hearings had some unprecedented and unusual events, or times where defendants appeared and were clearly lacking civil engagement with the court, it remains an issue abroad. 

Many people have become lazy, inconsiderate and outright disrespectful. 

I’m not saying everyone who is being called to appear in court or have business meetings via web-based teleconferencing systems needs to go out and buy a tuxedo for their appearances, but they need to at least remain on-task. Put away distractions, wear suitable garments, be aware of the “mute” button and the “video on/off” button and be respectful. 

How a person looks, presents themselves and carries themselves is oftentimes a reflection of who they really are, their character. People seeking a new job shouldn’t show up to their interview, in-person or via Zoom, with a cigarette in their mouth, no shirt on and using vulgar language. 

Most people would think this is common sense, but it seems common sense and common decency are severely lacking in this day and age. Let’s get back to being a decent and respectful people who practice self-control and self-awareness. 

Chrissy Scivicque and Kristi Hedges with Forbes offers four essential rules in an article titled, “How to be respectful: 4 essential rules.” 

The first rule is the Golden Rule; treat others how you want to be treated. The second rule is the “It’s a small world” rule; we all live in a small, transparent fishbowl. Treat everyone as if they could be your boss one day, it could pay off well in the end. The third rule is the “Hidden Value” rule. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt and give them a chance, don’t be too quick to judge. Last is the “Everyone is Special” rule; every person is different, and every person has a unique experience and knowledge gained from their own circumstances. 

As Clint Eastwood said, “respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that’s real power.”