It is forbidden to enter the Palace of Justice wearing miniskirts, shorts, tank tops, sleeveless dresses, hats, see-through clothing, flip-flops, or slippers, including the latest designer ones so popular these days. This is stated in black and white on several signs that appeared yesterday morning at the entrance and in various other areas of the judicial center in Piazza Repubblica. Identical posters, it seems, have also appeared at the Juvenile Court.
The arrangement
The flyers specifically address what they call a "rule" specifically to "visitors," but clearly—since the rules must be the same for everyone, especially in the corridors where justice is administered—the ban on miniskirts, tank tops, and excessively sleeveless dresses could also be extended to officials, lawyers, magistrates, and clerks. "Security personnel," the signs read, "are responsible for enforcing this rule." The decision was apparently made by the Permanent Conference, the body composed of the heads of judicial offices (the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the Tribunal, the Attorney General, and the Public Prosecutor, along with administrative directors, with the participation of the President of the Bar Association), but only when hearings resume in the coming days will it be possible to understand its concrete effects. What is certain is that yesterday morning, the introduction of the "dress code" triggered mixed reactions.
The reactions
For now, the corridors of the courthouses are still semi-deserted, so we'll have to wait and see how the change will be received. "I think it's right that we come to the Palace dressed modestly," explains a magistrate, who clearly requested anonymity because the law prohibits them from making statements. "We're used to seeing everything these days. Decorum is first and foremost towards the institution this building represents." But some also raise the potential risk of repercussions on judicial activity. "Let's say a witness or defendant, duly summoned, is turned away at the entrance because they're not dressed appropriately: what do you do?" another judge remarks. "Do you cancel the hearing? In that case, clearly, the postponement will impact the statute of limitations. And what if a judge, prosecutor, or lawyer were to show up at the entrance wearing a suit and a skirt deemed too short? What do they do, not let her in?" I wonder: who will measure the length of miniskirts to understand if they are legal or prohibited?
