BLACK IS BLACK

Mexico's Supreme Court- the criminal section- ruled on Wednesday that Mexicans have the right to grow marijuana for personal use. It's the first step in legalizing marijuana in Mexico. 

Ohio (motto: "We all want to live in Florida") meanwhile, voted down a proposal yesterday to decriminalize marijuana. 

FACEBOOK MURDER TRIAL- The defendant accused of murdering his wife and posting it on Facebook- the trial has started. In voire dire. Openings next week. 

BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK.
How in the world did we miss this? 
The Florida Supreme Court adopted amendments to the Rules Of Judicial Administration (motto: "The rules no one reads")  in which they held, ruled, wrote, said, etc.,  that Judges must now only wear black robes. "Black is black, I want my baby back..." (Los Bravos, 1957). 

Our Code of Judicial Conduct recognizes that as the “arbiter of facts and law for the resolution of disputes,” Florida’s judges are the face of the judicial branch of government. And, as such, judges must conduct themselves accordingly, both in their actions and their appearance. .. When a litigant appears in court, it is the presiding judge who sets the tone of the proceedings, puts those in attendance at ease, and maintains order and decorum throughout the proceedings, all of which establishes confidence in the legal process...
Presiding judges wearing different colored robes or robes with varying embellishments could result in uncertainty for those coming before our courts and serve to counter the efforts the branch has employed to gain the public’s trust. For example, one could question whether there is a “status” attributed to the varying colors or embellishments worn by different judges, e.g., whether the color or embellishment denotes a rank of judge based on tenure, ability, or some other factor—is this judge more or less qualified or maybe the chief judge? Depending on the color or pattern of the robe or the type of embellishment worn, some may wonder whether the presiding judge is a “real judge” or whether the judge will take the proceedings seriously. Robe color also could be seen as a reflection of a judge’s mood or attitude that day. (Rumpole says- how 1970's of them. They remember mood rings!!) 
Should a defendant facing the death penalty feel trepidation when the presiding judge appears in a red robe or feel more at ease when the robe is green? (Rumpole says, no, the defendant should feel trepidation if s/he's being prosecuted in Broward) 
The possibility that the unique attire of the judge assigned to one’s case could raise these concerns and thereby diminish public trust and confidence in the proceedings is not acceptable. The public should not have to guess as to the meaning of different colored, patterned, or embellished robes. Promoting uniformity in judicial attire, by requiring all judges to wear unembellished, solid black robes, will no doubt avoid these concerns and promote public trust and confidence. The people of Florida have a right to expect equal justice every day, in every court in this state, and should not have to question whether equal justice is being dispensed based on the color of a judge’s robe. 

(this is the part we like)

It is also reasonable for the people of Florida to expect the members of their judiciary to conduct themselves as professionals consistent with the rules and guidelines adopted by this Court. We have no doubt that the clear majority of judges conduct themselves in the most exemplary manner and hold themselves to the highest of standards, and would do so without any rules governing their conduct or attire. Unfortunately, that is not the case with all judges. One need only read the myriad opinions from this Court disciplining judges after a finding of misconduct by the Judicial Qualifications Commission to agree that this Court must provide guidance when it identifies an area of potential concern. Adopting new rule 2.340 is but another step this Court takes in furtherance of its oversight and leadership role in identifying and implementing strategies to enhance the public trust and confidence in the third branch of government. 

Where have you gone Judge Alfred Nesbitt? Our courthouse turns its lonely heads to your blue robes. 

See you in court.