Tennessee Judge Says Lady Lawyers Shouldn't Show Their Elbows

Tennessee Circuit Judge Royce Taylor of Rutherford County is strictly anti-elbow, according to a recent memo he sent out that specifically addressed the women in his courtroom.

The memo reads in part:

1. At the recent Bench/Bar Committee meeting, the subject of attorneys’ professional dress in court was discussed. The unanimous opinion was that the women attorneys were not being held to the same standard as the men. It was requested that the judges require all attorneys to dress professionally.

2. I have advised some women attorneys that a jacket with sleeves below the elbow is appropriate or a professional dress equivalent. If you have questions, please contact my assistant…

Judge Taylor is an “equal opportunity wardrobe conservative,” according to The Tennessean, but his memo didn’t extend to the gentlemen, who are apparently keeping their elbows out of sight and contempt of court.