When (if ever) it's appropriate to make jokes before the US Supreme Court
4 hours ago
- #Supreme Court etiquette
- #oral argument protocols
- #legal decorum
- Attorney Geoffrey Pipoly quoted President Trump's controversial comments about Haiti during oral argument, highlighting the ethical dilemma of using profanity in court.
- The Supreme Court's Guide for Counsel provides strict protocols for attorneys, including formal addressing of justices and avoidance of interruptions.
- Attorneys are advised to answer questions directly with 'yes' or 'no', avoid stonewalling, and concede adverse points.
- The guide discourages attempts at humor by attorneys, though justices occasionally engage in banter, and warns against emotional oration.
- Attorneys receive quill pens as souvenirs but are restricted from taking selfies or inviting large groups, marking the solemnity of the occasion.
- Swearing is generally inappropriate, but permissible when quoting directly or in cases where profanity is central to the legal issue.